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In 70 countries around the world, consensual same-sex acts between adults is criminalized. In 2017, that number was 72, and just five years ago 81 countries punished adults engaging in same-sex relationships with imprisonment or death.
The work to recognize, celebrate and legally protect LGBTQI people is done by activists in communities, advocacy groups, unions and grassroots organizers around the globe. At the ILGA World Conference in Wellington, New Zealand, more than 400 of those activists representing more than 100 countries gathered.
“The conference has been an eye-opening reminder of the work still to be done to ensure that people of all gender identity and sexual orientation are respected and kept safe,” said Dana Dunphy, Unifor National Executive Board member and Ontario Pride Committee member.
At the conference, delegates participated in workshops and sessions led by the leaders of human rights campaigns who are working to resist violence and oppression both by the state and in wider society. Unifor members attended sessions on intersex and asexual identities, sex worker and refugee advocacy, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and much more.
“What is most striking is the resilience and the effectiveness of organizers around the globe,” said Martin Melanson, Unifor Atlantic Pride Committee Chairperson. “ILGA celebrated 40 years of existence at the conference, and to see the change that’s been accomplished in that time is amazing and inspiring.”
Unifor’s LGBTQ members are in solidarity with the work of queer and trans people around the world. The union’s delegation commits to making changes to Unifor’s organizing in Canada to better support the global struggle for human rights for LGBTQI people.
Local unions are encouraged to send a full delegation to the upcoming Pride Conference in May, where LGBTQI members can plan for future campaigns and action.
