Stand United Against Hate: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)
Toronto – May 13, 2026 – On May 17, the world will mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) — a global moment to stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI+ communities and spotlight the urgent need to confront hate and discrimination.
Created in 2004, IDAHOBIT seeks to raise awareness of the discrimination and violence that is experienced by two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) persons around the world.
An injury to one worker is an injury to all workers. The alarming rise in anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate, emboldened by reckless conservatism both at home and abroad, and amidst global rising tides of fascism and alt-right politicians, makes it clearer than ever that solidarity is needed to fuel the fight back and defend human rights for all.
More recently, governments in Saskatchewan and Alberta have taken aim at the fundamental rights of queer and trans youth by denying them access to education, health care, and other protected human rights. These governments admitted that their use of the notwithstanding clause violated people’s basic rights and freedoms. That didn’t stop the Alberta government from using the same clause to violate teachers’ protected bargaining rights. Trans and gender diverse people were the first targets, but they won’t be the last.
As a result, it crucial that the labour movement stand united against hate and more determined than ever to continue the fight for a society that supports dignity, human rights and equal opportunities for all Canadians.
Workers United Against Hate
The Canadian Labour Congress is continuing their campaign to challenge anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate: Workers United Against Hate. Workers and unions have always understood that the harassment and violence that impact 2SLGBTQI+ workers either on the shop floor and in our communities are trade union issues. As conservative leaders attempt to divide our country by scapegoating 2SLGBTQI+ communities, workers together are proudly uniting against hate.
Access campaign resources here:
CLC Pride Related Reference Materials for Unions, Labour Councils and Federations of Labour:
- We Keep Each Other Safe: A Guide for Unions to Address Anti-2SLGBTQI+ Hate
- Workers In Transition: A Practical Guide for Union Representatives and Trans Union Members
- Anti-Hate Toolkit Part 1
Take Rainbow Action
Egale Canada’s Rainbow Action Hub is your one-stop-shop for the why and how to combat the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI hate in Canada. The hub includes resources, tools, education, and information aimed at 2SLGBTQI organizations, advocates, activists and anyone who wants to understand and combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate
Visit egale.ca/rainbow-action-hub/ for resources.
