International Day Against LGBTQ+ Discrimination

You’ll see many letters flying about on May 17th, but today is an international day to call for the end of LGBTQ+ discrimination. Generally, about 66% of the population of any “western world” country accept LGBTQ+ people, yet acts of LGBTQ+ discrimination still persist. More acts of violence against trans people were reported to the UK police in 2019 than in any other year. So what does that mean?

It means that the remaining 34% of people who do not accept LGBTQ+ people are quite vocal and discriminate when they can. Discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community can be dangerous. It ranges from segregation and verbal abuse to physical violence and death in extreme cases.

That’s why today is so important. We need to end LGBTQ+ discrimination to save lives and make the world a better place to live. Below, we have outlined five simple ways to help you bring an end to acts of LGBTQ+ discrimination.

1. USE YOUR PRIVILEGE

Use your privilege as a heterosexual/cisgender ally to speak up for LGBTQ+ issues and rights whenever and wherever you can. Write letters to editors, participate in marches, lend support to LGBTQ+ groups at work and in your community.

2. USE YOUR VOICE

Interrupt anti-LGBTQ+ jokes, comments or any other behaviors that make homophobia and transphobia appear acceptable.

3. USE YOUR EARS

Listen to what LGBTQ+ people are saying – face-to face, on your social media feed or in the articles you read. It’s not about you, your feelings or opinions; it’s about hearing theirs.

4. USE YOUR BRAIN

Seek out books, articles, films, etc. about the history and current issues facing LGBTQ+ communities, and attend workshops and training.

5. USE YOUR INFLUENCE

Introduce your colleagues and management to Certified Proud to ensure a year round experience of tackling LGBTQ+ discrimination