The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, celebrated annually on May 17, raises awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Established in 2004 to mark the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder, this day promotes equality and celebrates diversity. With participation from over 130 countries, including those where same-sex acts remain illegal, and recognition by international institutions like the European Parliament and many UN agencies, the day unites global efforts to advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and foster community solidarity.
For this significant day, we spoke with James Demers, a 2SLGBTQIA+ diversity educator and community builder with extensive experience in advocacy. As a trans activist, athlete, performer, and drag producer, Demers has worked across various sectors in Treaty 7 Territory (Mo’kinsis) and globally, contributing to the fight against prejudice and promoting inclusivity.
James is also Senior Strategist & Trainer at Canadian Equality Consulting. Check out their blog post about International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia here.
Our conversation with James:
What does IDAHOBIT mean to you personally, and why is it important to raise awareness about homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia?
“I participated in my first IDAHOBIT when it was still called the Day of Silence in 2003. It was a silent protest day where you would attend life as normal but not speak, handing out small explainer cards to your teachers so as not to get into trouble due to not verbally responding when asked. It was interesting to see the variety of reactions; I was a very visibly queer kid and was already involved in the drag scene at the time. However, having access to queer events and community was still more underground; there was nothing close to the same kind of integration there is now in straight and queer culture. Being visible was not something I had control over; most gender non-conforming kids never do, but being politically engaged from the perspective of my queerness was new to me in this way and not a common thing to see in my catholic high school. It’s really important that people understand on this day that queer people choose their authenticity over their safety every day; this has and will improve, but that reality is still present in all of our lives.”
It’s really important that people understand on this day that queer people choose their authenticity over their safety every day; this has and will improve, but that reality is still present in all of our lives.”
James Demers
What does the theme “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.” mean to you?
“The concept of “no one left behind” is interesting, especially in the broader context of queer organizing, dating as far back as the 1950s. In those early days, protests like the “Annual Reminder” demanded that gay and lesbian individuals conform to gender-segregated business attire and advocated for assimilation into mainstream society.
This tension between those advocating for assimilation and those pushing for more radical action within the broader queer community persisted even through the Stonewall era, exemplified by figures like Marsha P Johnson and Silvia Rivera, who spoke passionately about the segregation of trans people, sex workers and people of colour from the decision-making tables of the developing gay power movement.
Even here in Canada, we saw federal employment protection for gay, lesbian and bisexual communities confirmed in law in 1998 through the Delwin Vriend case; the ruling left out protections for Trans and gender-diverse people who did not receive the same rights until 2017. In our current era, trans rights across the globe and the rights of Two Spirit people are our most important areas of focus. This is due to increased violence and the important relationship of reconciliation, respectively; gender-diverse people have always existed and will continue to exist, and we have an enormous amount of knowledge to gain for working toward liberation for all of us. I like that the theme challenges past mistakes of the movement and is looking toward an inclusive future.”
How can allies effectively support the 2SLGBTQA+ community, especially on IDAHOBIT?
“Have hard conversations with the people in your life who trust you. Do not let discriminatory language or practices be part of your social circles or workplaces. It’s important to lean in when approaching people whose behaviour is creating exclusion. Many misinformed people in our lives are more likely to double down on their assumptions if they are attacked or insulted in an initial interaction. Meet them where they are at and give them the information they need to understand the current context or set boundaries for your relationship.”
What role do education and awareness-raising play in combating discrimination against 2SLGBTQA+ individuals?
“It is essential for moving forward that we remain curious about the world around us- social development will always bring changes to the way we speak, act and engage with each other. This is a good thing, but we must remove the assumption that coming from a less informed place makes us “bad” or good people. Information exchange is often limited by circumstance or propaganda- for example, the increase in misinformation about trans folks in the last few years is essentially a constructed moral panic similar to the Satanic panic of the late 1980s.”
How do organizations like SafeLink Alberta and Canadian Equality Consulting play a part in combating homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia?
“We are both providers of information, empathy, and a return to human dignity. While we work at different intersections within the public, our work and the success of the people who access those resources bolster access to the resources that support positive development toward the social determinants of health. When we are healthy mentally, physically and spiritually and can meet our needs within a supportive community, we give everyone an opportunity to thrive.”
About SafeLink Alberta
SafeLink Alberta, a non-profit since 1983, serves and advocates for priority populations in Calgary and southern Alberta. Our mission is to reduce risks associated with sexual activity and substance use through education and non-judgmental services.
Originating as AIDS Calgary Awareness Association, we were founded by and have continued to serve the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for over forty-one years.
We prioritize underserved communities and those at high risk for HIV, hepatitis C, and other infections, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare. Our services include testing for HIV and hepatitis C, counselling, support groups, and healthcare referrals. We also provide education and supplies for safer sex, drug use, and overdose prevention.
Need additional support? Contact our programs in Calgary and Medicine Hat:
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