International Day Against Homophobia – May 17
Speaking about Silence - Homophobia in the Sports World

This day dedicated to the fight against homophobia was initiated by Foundation Emergence, a Quebec NGO, on June 4, 2003.  Later, this theme day expanded to include all provinces and territories in Canada, and countries such as France and Belgium.  At one point the organizing committee of the International Day Against Homophobia moved the event to May 17 as that was the date the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, ending over a century of homophobia in the medical field.

It is hoped that this year’s theme Speaking about Silence - Homophobia in the Sports World will educate the general population about the need to combat homophobia in both amateur and professional sports.

As teachers, we also need to break the silence about homophobia to ensure that all students, teachers and families enter schools that are safe and inclusive environments. ETFO recognizes this day and invites locals and members to fight against homophobia by participating on May 17. To access resource materials related to International Day Against Homophobia, please visit www.homophobiaday.org.