May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia

It is, I think, almost common knowledge that a large percentage of the gay male population in Vancouver lives in the Davie Village (within the West End of Vancouver). The Davie Village has also been (reportedly) the geographical location where most gay-bashing attacks in the past few years have occurred. These elements notwithstanding, the Davie Village also hosts Qmunity, the GLBT support centre, and numerous gay-friendly and gay-owned businesses. It’s been a long journey, but some progress has been made in Canada, and in particular in Vancouver, to make society more accepting of homosexual people. As I’ve mentioned to a few Mexican friends who have visited me here, nobody gives a damn if you have a girlfriend, a boyfriend or both or neither.

May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia. I have written about it before on my blog, and it’s a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Coincidentally, this year, Mental Health Camp Vancouver’s theme is breaking the silence and speaking about mental illness and mental health. This year, the IDAHO theme is on homophobia in sports. With the exception of Mark Micham (Olympic Water Diving Champion), I don’t think that there are many openly gay athletes, because the stigma continues there. I’m really delighted that in Canada, homophobia is not as rampant as in other countries. From the IDAHO website:

In Canada, recognition, for lesbian and gay communities, has been first and foremost a judicial acceptance brought about by the adoption of the Charter of Human Rights. However, judicial advances will remain only that until a complete, unlimited social acceptance of homosexuality is achieved and homophobia wiped out. To achieve this goal, the Fondation Émergence proposed in 2003, along with partners, to hold each year a special day dedicated to the social recognition of homosexual experience

When I was talking to my Mom on Monday night (Mother’s Day), we were chatting about how progressive Canada was. Given Canadians’ position towards an increasing acceptance of GLBT rights, I’m absolutely thrilled to be living in this wonderful country. Let’s hope other countries follow suit. In celebration of IDAHO, on Monday May 17th, I will be wearing a pink shirt. You don’t have to, but if you feel so inclined, feel free to join.

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