June marks the beginning of Pride Season, a time to celebrate diversity, love, inclusion, and the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Across Canada, Pride festivities take place throughout the summer, from June into August or even September depending on your region. These are not just celebrations, they are powerful reminders that equality, dignity, and respect are human rights for all.
As a national union, the Union of Veterans’ Affairs Employees proudly stands in solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. We encourage all our members to take part in local Pride events happening in your communities. Whether you’re joining a parade, attending a performance or educational event, or simply showing your support in visible ways, every act of allyship matters.
We are living in concerning times. In the United States, we’re witnessing a disturbing rollback of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. We must not assume it can’t happen here. Solidarity is our strongest protection. That’s why it is vital that UVAE members show up, speak out, and stand with Pride not just during the festivities, but every day.
By showing our support, we send a clear message: there is space for everyone in our workplaces and in our communities no exceptions.
*In June 2003, Fondation Émergence established the world’s first national day against homophobia, which later became the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The inaugural edition featured the impactful “Shocking? For homophobes” campaign. May 17 was chosen as the official date for this observance, commemorating May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses.* (Source : Fondation Émergence).
https://www.fondationemergence.org/en/a-propos
Wishing you all a joyful and meaningful Pride Season.
UVAE’s National Human Rights Committee