The EU supports LGBTIQ communities!

11.09.2023 Press and information team of the Delegation to CANADA

As part of its public diplomacy initiatives, the EU Delegation to Canada has organised a variety of activities involving the LGBTIQ+ community across Canada (locally referred to as 2SLGBTQI+ which stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and additional sexual orientations and gender identities).

These efforts are in line with EEAS HQ and Delegations efforts on the matter and the position of the EU High Representative and Vice President Josep Borrel: "The EU stands with all LGBT persons and will not compromise. We will continue to speak up for the human rights of LGBT persons. We will combat discrimination, violence and hate speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity - in times of peace and times of conflict".

On April 14th, EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino met with several LGBTIQ+ organisations from across the country in Ottawa. One of the results of the conversation was the suggestion for the EU to participate in the Pride Festival and contribute by organising a meaningful public event to discuss some pressing issues relevant for the LBGTIQ+ community.

As a follow-up of these conversations, the EU Delegation partnered up with Dignity Network Canada, the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the National Gallery of Canada to organise the 2023 Human Rights Panel: Advancing Trans Rights Locally & Globally on August 23. The panel discussion was part of the official programme of Capital Pride in Ottawa and was attended by over 220 participants.

EU Ambassador Melita Gabrič opened the event, alongside human rights defenders Beyonce Karungi (Transgender Equality Uganda), Lenny Emson (Transgender Europe, TGEU) and Jack Saddleback fromJusticeTrans. The panel was be moderated by Fae Johnstone, Capital Pride's 2023 Grand Marshal and the President of the Society for Queer Momentum.

In early August, the EU Delegation was hosted by Belgium at the Journées Communautaires de Montréal and participated in Fierté Montréal (Montréal Pride) with Austria, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands the next day, an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and visibility about the European Union in Québec.

Finally, on August 27th the European Union Delegation to Canada participated in the Capital Pride Parade in Ottawa together with other members of the Diplomatic Community The EU Delegation hired a well-known local performer and invited alumni and volunteers to join the EU Delegation staff in the celebrations.