Monday, May 12, 2014
Oxford County
Stepping Out Against Homophobia
Highlighting the importance of having a diverse and accepting community, the Oxford County Rainbow Coalition will be taking to the streets of Woodstock and Tillsonburg this Friday, May 16, 2014.
Community walks are planned in each community to help promote International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which falls each year on May 17.
The day offers an opportunity for those who identify as LGBTQ, or those who support them, to get together and make a stand against discrimination, while calling for a community where everyone feels valued, and can contribute regardless of their sexual orientation.
When: Friday, May 16, 2014 at 12:15 pm
Where: Woodstock and Area Community Health Centre, 35 Metcalfe St, Woodstock OR Tillsonburg Clock Tower, 41 Bridge St W, Tillsonburg
Refreshments will be served after the walk, along with an opportunity for networking. The event is made possible with the financial help of a grant from the Oxford Community Foundation.
Quote:
“People in the community feel the repercussions of homophobia and heterosexism in our society. An awareness raising event such as this provides an opportunity to show there are people who want to make a difference. We want our community to be a safe place for all people to thrive, regardless of their gender, their orientation, or who they love.”
— Gayle Milne, Public Health Nurse, Oxford County Public Health & Emergency Services, member of Oxford County Rainbow Coalition
Background:
Oxford County’s Rainbow Coalition is comprised of local organizations including Oxford County Public Health, the Woodstock and Area Community Health Centre, the Oxford County branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and community volunteers.
The first rainbow walk was held in Woodstock on May 17, 2013, while this will be the first year for the event in Tillsonburg.
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is held on May 17 each year. The date is symbolic as it was the day the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, thereby helping to put an end to homophobia through medical diagnosis and improving the status of gays and lesbians.
Homophobia is defined as the negative attitudes that can lead to rejection and to direct or indirect discrimination towards gay men, lesbians, and bisexual, transsexual or transgender people or toward anyone whose physical appearance or behaviour does not fit masculine or feminine stereotypes.
Social Media and Online Content:
Web: homophobiaday.org
Twitter: Oxford County
Media Contact:
Adam Nyp
Strategic Communication & Engagement
519.539.9800 ext 3529
anyp@oxfordcounty.ca
|