As the Pride season is starting in Canada, the Canadian Association of University Teachers is proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ2S community.

The horrific events that recently took place in Orlando must serve as a reminder that we need to redouble our efforts to combat homophobia and transphobia.

This year, an important step was taken when the Liberal government introduced Bill C-16, amending the Canadian Human Rights Act to ban discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression. The legislation will also amend Canada’s Criminal Code to protect transgender people from hate propaganda.

CAUT encourages all members to show their support for LGBTQ2S equity by taking part in Pride celebrations all across the country. Pride festivals are an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, and to continue the struggle for a better future where everybody is free to express who they are and free to love who they want.

Pride events taking place this summer include the following:

– Victoria Pride: July 1^st-10^th
– Toronto Pride: July 3^rd
– Regina Queen City: July 20^th-26^th
– Halifax Pride: July 23^rd
– Vancouver Gay Pride: July 31^st
– Montreal Pride: August 10^th-16^th
– Ottawa Capital Pride: August 15^th-21^st
– Pride Calgary: August 26^th - September 5^th

For a more detailed calendar of all Pride festivals in North America in 2016, visit www.gaypridecalendar.com.

Media contact:

Angela Regnier, Communications Officer, Canadian Association of University Teachers; 613-726-5186 (o); 613-601-6304 (cell)