The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversity. It is a day meant to draw attention to the violence and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people, and all other people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the date that the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990. In Canada, Fondation Émergence Promotes the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia and encourages other organizations and individuals to recognize the significance of the date in their own environments.

This year's theme is the 54 Second Watch -- one second missing from each minute representing each of the six colours of the pride flag. This "shortened watch" is meant to raise awareness of the shortened lives of LGBTQ+ people worldwide. When a minute lasts 54 seconds, life goes by faster and lives end too soon. The theme is meant to bring about awareness of factors that may shorten the lives of LGBTQ+ people and hopefully bring about positive change. 

Order LGBTQ+ awareness materials that can be used on May 17th.

Stand together in solidarity with your LGBTQ+ friends and proudly celebrate the day in both your workplace and your community!