The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was observed Monday.
The day, conceived in 2004 by several international LGBTQ+ Groups, coordinates events that raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations and stimulates interest in LGBTQ+ rights work worldwide.
In reflecting on the occasion, the founder of the Lloydminster LGBTQ+ Pride Society Tiffani Wiesner is sharing on the importance of observing these international days and events.
“I definitely think that its very important that they bring these days out and make them aware to the public. Just to remind people that Homophobia and Transphobia is still alive and well, and to help show the progress that we have made thus far, in making sure that one day maybe that will be wiped out.”
Wiesner took note of the progress that has been made in the community noting that there has been more acceptance as several support events have highlighted.
“Since we’ve been holding Pride events ,we’ve definitely gotten a lot more acceptance and participation from the community. It’s definitely gotten better over the years. The first couple of times we started out and try to do these events, we weren’t too sure. There’s still some people that are always going to be negative.”
For many young people who have had to or continue to face bullying, Wiesner adds that there are supports here in the community to provide a safe space as they come into their sexual or gender identity, the Society included.
“They are not alone. There’s progress made every day, whether medically or mentally. There’s more and more people that are coming out. There’s more and more resources for people that are needing to come out, even around Lloyd among our group, we’ve got a lot of people that have helped counsel other people. There’s lots of resources in our community.”
Wiesner is happy that people are increasingly wanting to get involved in supporting their work including businesses, especially as they are one month away from the 2021 Pride Week activities.
“We are gearing up and planning for our Pride Week this year. Lloyd Pride is going to be the week of June 20-26. We do have some of our events locked in stone as posted on our events page and once we have more things finalized, there will be more updates.”
Some of the events already listed are the virtual Flag Raising and Drag Bingo.