A barbecue for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia organized by Jeunesse Idem

Sonia Roy

On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which takes place every year on May 17, Jeunesse Idem, an Outaouais organization working in the community field, organized a family BBQ, open to all, at the Moussette Park in Gatineau. Young and old alike enjoyed grilled food, chips and beverages in front of the Tétreau Community Centre, which had been reserved in case of rain. Several activities took place during this sunny late afternoon and the participating citizens had been invited to wear purple. Some people also used the gay pride flag (multicoloured) as well as the trans visibility flag (white, pink and blue) as accessories to show their support for the cause. An inflatable structure, music and some of Jeunesse Idem’s partners for this local event (the City of Gatineau, Trans Outaouais, 3 Bras, the Lab, Entre hommes as well as Vieillir gaiement en Outaouais) completed the programming of this evening gathering families and friends in an atmosphere of tolerance, joy and celebration. This day was celebrated for the 19th time and marks another year of active fighting against homophobia and transphobia. By getting involved, Jeunesse Idem reiterates its support to this campaign, organized by Fondation Émergence, whose motto is "Every second, intolerance shortens lives".

What is Jeunesse Idem?

Jeunesse Idem is a non-profit organization in the Outaouais region whose mission is to "improve the quality of life of young people aged 7 to 35 from the LGBTQIA2S+ and questioning community as well as to sensitize the population of the Outaouais region to the realities of sexual orientation and gender identity diversity". The organization also offers workshops to the public aimed at countering discrimination against sexual orientations and gender identities, support and personalized follow-up for queer youth in the region as well as education and training workshops on sexual diversity and communication techniques. 

Why May 17th?

Fondation Émergence, which originated in Quebec, organized the first international day against homophobia and transphobia in 2003. This day is now celebrated internationally and May 17, the milestone date when the World Health Organization (WHO) declassified and officially removed homosexuality from its register of mental disorders in 1990, was designated as the official day for the cause.

Photo caption: The celebrations of the BBQ organized by Jeunesse Idem, last May 17

Photo credit: Sonia Roy