A Pride flag was raised in front of Grande Prairie City Hall on Thursday morning (Photo: Emily Keller)

By Emily Keller

lgbtq2ia+

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia recognized at City Hall

May 14, 2020 | 1:30 PM

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The theme of this years’ day is Breaking the Silence.

The day was first started in 2004, and May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization officially declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.

The Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace (GALAP) held a day of advocacy at City Hall on Thursday morning, where an official proclamation of the day was made by City Councillor Eunice Friesen. A pride flag was raised and flown by City Hall in recognition of the day.

Representatives of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre also opened the morning with a ceremonial prayer. Councillor Friesen says events like these are important to her, and that the world was very different when she was attending nursing school in the 80’s during the HIV/AIDS crisis.

“We were beginning to understand the precautions we had to take, and it was a world of fear for my gay friends at the time, and we’ve come a long way since then. I’m so glad because it’s better for our children today than it was a generation or two ago.”

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She says the theme of this year is especially important as listening to the experiences of those close to her who do consider themselves members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community helped her to support them and understand.

Yaxkin Posasz, Vice President of GALAP, says for days like these, people should not be afraid to ask questions to gain a better understanding of the LGBTQ2IA+ community.

“Just be interested in meeting the person where they are at, as human beings. Not necessarily just because of our sexual orientation or preferences, but just get to know the person as they are, what they like, what do they do for their communities, what they are interested in. I think that’s important, when we meet each other at a human level, that makes a big difference.”