It Gets Better CanadaIt Gets Better Canada
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is a global movement to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by 2SLGBTQ+ people worldwide. It aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion while advocating for equal rights and protections for all.
IDAHOBIT commemorates the World Health Organization’s decision on May 17th, 1990, to remove homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases.
BUT as we continue to create space to support and uplift our queer communities – what we are seeing is an unfortunate rise in 2SLGBTGQ+ youth who are at risk of losing access to inclusive education, the privacy of selecting their own pronouns, and most importantly the freedom to be themselves.
Now is the time to drive meaningful change, empower our youth AND:
Build the skills to navigate important conversations and scenarios as a queer youth or ally so that we can all work to create safe and inclusive spaces and understandings.
Observing IDAHOBIT in classrooms is crucial for fostering inclusivity, safe spaces and supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students. How to celebrate IDAHOBIT in your classroom and empower your students:
Show your support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community by adorning pride or rainbow-themed items such as pins, shirts, lanyards, or pronoun pins. This can act as a visual signal to let students know that you are a safe space and stand in solidarity with them.
Make your classroom a welcoming and inclusive space by decorating your classroom with rainbows, flags, and other symbols of 2SLGBTQ+ pride. Use our posters to add visual representations of diversity and pride.
Discuss the history and purpose of the day, emphasizing the importance of combating transphobia, biphobia, and homophobia in schools. Discuss the history and purpose of the day, highlighting the importance of combating discrimination and promoting acceptance.
Equip your students with the knowledge and understanding to challenge discrimination and promote acceptance. Talk about how to navigate and resist anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate with your students – use our online workshop which includes a fun arts-based activity.
Extend the celebration beyond the physical classroom by making a post about IDAHOBIT on your digital platforms. Share information, resources, and messages of support with your students and colleagues. Use our social media panels to amplify the message of inclusivity and acceptance.
Provide your students with access to support and resources designed to uplift and empower them. Direct students towards our Get Help Page.
However you celebrate IDAHOBIT, remember to carry your commitment to allyship and solidarity with the 2SLGBTQ+ community every day of the year. Together, we can create a school environment where everyone knows their worthiness and power as individuals.
You can recognize IDAHOBIT in numerous powerful ways. Check out our suggestions:
IDAHOBIT is a time to celebrate the beauty and resilience of queer joy. Embrace your identity and express yourself authentically. Whether it’s through art, music, dance, or simply spending time with supportive friends, find ways to celebrate the unique aspects of 2SLGBTQ+ culture that bring you joy.
Join the conversation online and connect with other youth voices who are passionate about 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Share the Youth Voices Will Prevail initiative on your social media channels in support of creating safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Equip yourself with the tools to combat transphobia, biphobia, and homophobia. Learn skills to make a safer world and celebrate the unique joy that makes us who we are through our online workshop: The Power of Resiliency: Anti-2SLGBTQ+ Bullying.
Being in a household that does not respect or understand your gender identity and gender expression, can be incredibly demoralizing. There are ways to navigate this situation and to seek our support. Check out this explainer on dealing with having your gender invalidated.
Amidst the activism and advocacy, don’t forget to prioritize your well-being. Take time for self-care and reflection. Use this space to explore your identity, celebrate your achievements, and nurture your mental health. Explore self-care activities such as journaling, meditation, or spending time in nature. Get inspired by Ethan’s Explainer on self-care.
If you’re facing challenges related to your gender identity, sexual orientation, or mental health, know that you’re not alone. You deserve support and care, and we’re here to help you access it. Visit our Get Help Page for resources, support hotlines, and organizations.
Together, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
Help spread the word and inspire others to take action! Download our social media assets below and share them on your platform to spread awareness.
Step 1: Select which image you would like to share.
Step 2: Click the download button to begin automatically downloading the image
Step 3: Open the image in your social media app of choice to post and copy our prewritten caption or create your own.
Step 4: Make sure to tag (@ItGetsBetterCanada) and post!
Sample Caption: This International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, I urge you all to uplift our 2SLGBTQ+ youth voices and support the need to create safe and affirming spaces for all. #IDAHOBIT #ItGetsBetterCanada
This IDAHOBIT we invite you to join us in making a difference for 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Canada. Your donation helps us raise awareness, provide support, advocate for and create safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Together, we can stand up against discrimination and strive for a future where 2SLGBTQ+ can thrive authentically. Donate today and consider being a monthly donor!
Amplify the day by sharing our social media kit on your channels!