I'm a self-proclaimed (or educated) ally, advocate and activist for marginalized communities. An in-exhaustive list includes; Indigenous communities, the black community, the disabled community, those with mental health challenges, immigrants and refugees and of course, the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Today we're going to be focusing on the LGBTQ2S+ community. First off, what does that acronym mean? To give a less intense definition/explanation of each letter, it means..
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender or Transsexual
Queer or Questioning
2Spirited
And this is just a simplified version of the term, rather there are many identifiers that individuals identify with within the scale of non-binary identities.. (Does the word identify sound weird to you yet?). To learn more and educate yourself about the LGBTQ2S+ acronym and community, check out: https://ok2bme.ca/resources/kids-teens/what-does-lgbtq-mean/.
The community is ever growing and people are coming to terms with who they truly are and supporting one another with their journey's and not letting society dictate their lives.
Now that we've sort of established and gone over what the LGBTQ2S+ community is about, it's a great segway into talking about IDAHOT: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. IDAHOT is an international event held on May 17th to spread awareness and attention to policymakers, social activists/movements, the media and the general public about the discrimination and violence experienced by the LGBTQ2S+ community worldwide. It is celebrated in over 130 countries and has influenced and impacted healthcare organization's, health care providers, political and social movements/events and especially fostered progressive and healthy conversations in countries that had a lack thereof.
Being an ally means educating myself, becoming more aware, active and involved in the LGBTQ2S+ community in order to support individuals who identify within the community and be a voice in my own community/society. That is why Peel HIV/AIDS Network's We Belong in Peel event is important to me.
I am volunteering as a Special Events Committee Member for Peel HIV/AIDS Network's annual fundraising event, We Belong: Voices of Youth--International Day Against Homophobi, Transphobia and Biphobia. This year's IDAHOT event is breakfast themed and is focused on awareness and nurturing a sense of belonging for those who identify as LGBTQ2S+ in the Peel Region. The event is meant to challenge homophobia, transphobia and biphobia tendencies and other barriers to the inclusion in social, political, cultural, religious and recreational pursuits. This is done by fostering a healthy and progressive conversation through fundraising and inviting guest speakers from social and political backgrounds with the mission to end the stigma and foster inclusion in Peel Region.
Why is LGBTQ2S+ initiatives and the community important to Peel Region? Why, that's easy. It is not a secret that the Peel Region, comprised of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon, does not have as much services and support systems for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. In fact, if you google 'LGBTQ in Brampton', one of the first few results that will come up is an article titled "Brampton Isn't Safe for LGBTQ People" published on the Bramptonist. If that isn't scary for you, I don't know what is. To put it simple (as written on PHAN's website), LGBTQ2S+ communities is important and belong in the Region of Peel because it strives to be a respectful, safe and inclusive place for all residents of the region.
LGBTQ2S+ inclusion in Peel Region is important to me because I am an ally. It is important to me because I have friends who identify as part of the community. It is important to me because I believe in inclusivity, diversity, respect, equity and progression and I am passionate about being that voice. Lastly, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion in Peel Region is important to me because I know somewhere in our community--our friend, our neighbor, our colleague, and our community members are afraid to be themselves, to speak up and in turn feel excluded and marginalized in a place they call home. That is the change we need to see and that is what this event is all about.
If you feel or agree with any of the things I have said, whether you are an ally, want to become one or identify as part of the community, join us and 'We Belong IDAHOT' in making your voice heard in this evolutionary and revolutionary movement. Check out https://www.webelonginpeel.com for more information!