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The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

May 17 marks the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Initiated by Fondation Émergence in 2003, the day commemorates the 1990 removal of homosexuality from the World Health Organization’s list of mental disorders. Now recognized in many countries, it serves as a global call to action against discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

This year's theme is: "The power of communities."

“It feels like very important work to be done within the university and I’m grateful.”

Artist and fifth-year women’s studies student Belen Blizzard is Concordia’s first-ever 2SLGBTQIA+ student coordinator. Since assuming this role in September, they have been busy offering support, services and organizing events for trans and queer students.

Belen Blizzard Belen Blizzard | Concordia 2SLGBTQIA+ student support coordinator

Towards Trans Joy and Justice

On June 8, 2025 this one-day conference at Concordia, brings together activists, artists, and scholars committed to building a future rooted in trans justice.

In partnership with the Center for Gender Advocacy, the Simone de Beauvoir InstituteTeesri Duniya Theater and the Dark Opacities Lab

Aaron McIntosh Aaron McIntosh

“We are witnessing an erosion of rights, where the gains made over decades are being rolled back.”

Concordia prof Aaron McIntosh’s The Gloaming explores queer vulnerability in his first Canadian exhibition. The artist combines textile and collage to examine uncertain times for LGBTQ2S rights.

Resources

Fondation Émergence

Fondation Émergence is a non-profit organization that fights against homophobia and transphobia through a range of actions. They work to educate, inform and raise awareness about the lived experiences of people within a broad range of sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. 

It Gets Better Canada

Concordia is proud to stand with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). While you're exploring how our university is marking this important day, take the next step by visiting It Gets Better Canada to learn more about how you can support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, amplify their stories, and be part of the movement for equity and inclusion.

Egale 

Egale is a Canadian organization for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and issues that educates, raises awareness and advocates for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world.

Initiatives

Pride at Work Canada

Concordia is proud partner of Pride at Work Canada, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees. Through this partnership, Concordia employees have access to a range of resources including webinars, events, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities designed to support equity, inclusion, and professional growth within the workplace.

Standing Together against Racism and Identity-based Violence (STRIVE)

The mandate of the STRIVE Task Force is to oversee and coordinate the work needed to address identity-based violence as it manifests across the university. 

Learn

2SLGBTQIA+ wellness resources

Find resources

Books and more

See the curated list

Outing the Outdated

Learn more about Outing the Outdated

Days of Significance

In alignment with our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Concordia recognizes a range of cultural and historical observances throughout the year.

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