Dongmei Yu, Author at Canadian Pride Historical Society

5 December 2024

International Volunteer Day (IVD), held annually on Dec. 5, is a chance for us to pause and reflect on the incredible work volunteers do around the world. As the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program reminds us, volunteering isn’t just about giving time—it’s about playing an active role in solving global challenges. Whether tackling climate change, fighting social injustice, or lending a hand in times of crisis, volunteers are often the first to step up. Their efforts are key in driving positive change, helping achieve social, environmental, and economic goals, and making those ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality.

The theme for IVD 2024, Diverse Volunteers, Stronger Communities, perfectly captures the heart of volunteerism. Volunteers come from all walks of life and bring unique perspectives, but they are united by a shared commitment to improving the world around them. Whether part of a formal organization or simply helping informally in their community, volunteers are integral to tackling global issues that affect us all. In times of uncertainty, volunteerism is a source of hope and strength, showing that when people work together, they can make a real difference.

The power of volunteering in achieving the SDGs

As UNV points out, volunteers are crucial to reaching the SDGs. These goals, which include ending poverty, promoting health and well-being, advancing gender equality, and addressing climate change, can’t be achieved without active, on-the-ground participation from communities. Volunteers help take these big, global targets and turn them into meaningful, local action. They work with communities to create solutions that are not only effective but inclusive.

UNV’s research shows that 862.4 million people worldwide volunteer each month, and a large percentage of this is informal volunteering—like helping a neighbour or organizing a local event. While formal volunteering tends to be more male-dominated, women are more likely to be involved in informal volunteer work. These numbers show how vital volunteerism is in building stronger communities, bridging generational gaps, and empowering people to take charge of their development. Beyond this, volunteering shifts mindsets, turning participants into active contributors who help build more empathetic and connected communities.

Addressing Canada’s volunteer shortage

In Canada, however, the landscape of volunteerism is facing growing hurdles. In its latest report from 2022, Statistics Canada found that 65 percent of organizations reported a shortage of new volunteers, while 50 percent struggled to retain those they had. Furthermore, 42 percent found it difficult to secure long-term commitments from volunteers—all while 74 percent of organizations saw increased demand for their services.

This gap between the demand for services and the availability of volunteers highlights the need to bolster resources for volunteer-driven organizations. With fewer people stepping forward to help, the burden often falls on a smaller group of committed individuals, making it harder for nonprofits and charities to meet their goals.

Yet, even amid these difficulties, volunteers are still working hard to create connected and resilient communities. An example is the Canadian Pride Historical Society (CPHS), which is entirely volunteer-run. The dedication of individuals at CPHS helps preserve and share 2SLGBTQIA+ history in Canada, ensuring that important stories of activism, milestones, and struggles are documented for future generations.

How you can make a difference

International Volunteer Day is a chance to recognize the tangible impact of volunteering and how it strengthens communities. Whether through formal organizations or simple acts of kindness, volunteering is about finding ways to contribute that feel meaningful to you. Offering your time or skills, in whatever capacity you can, helps create connections and support systems that benefit everyone.

References:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/volunteer-day

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/04/12/2645266/0/en/Volunteer-Canada-Urges-Return-to-Volunteering-as-Two-thirds-of-Organizations-Report-Shortage.html#:~:text=Over%20the%20last%20three%20years,nation’s%20social%20fabric%20is%20profound.

By Dongmei Yu

international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women-2022-16693106023×2

Awareness

25 November 2024

Content Warning: this article contains a discussion of gender-based violence, violence against children, sexual violence, other specific types of violence, and death. Please take care of yourself if you choose to read.

November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day that has become excruciatingly relevant in recent years and, indeed, the last few weeks. We take this day to rally for the eradication of gender-based violence of all kinds across the globe and to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of said violence, which is so widespread and insidious that the United Nations and other such influential organizations have described it as a ‘Pandemic.’

The date of November 25th was chosen to commemorate the 1960 assassinations of the three Mirabal sisters, courageous political activists from the Dominican Republic whose deaths were ordered by the then-dictator of the nation. It was first marked in 1981 by activists at the first Encuentros Feministas Latinoamericanas y del Caribe (en: Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Encuentros) in Bogotá and would later receive its official UN Resolution on February 7th, 2000. It has since been adopted as an important occasion around the globe, with organizations like the United Nations

The day also marks the start of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which serves to highlight the violence that is directed not only toward women but all those of a marginalized gender. These days are observed until Human Rights Day on December 10th, which marks the moment in 1948 that the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; a monumental document of its time that still influences the fight for equal rights to this day.

Here in Canada, the Sixteen Days also include December 6th, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. That day serves to remind us of the events of December 6th, 1989, when tragedy struck École Polytechnique de Montréal, and 14 women were massacred in a deeply misogynistic act of violence by a man who claimed he was ‘fighting feminism.’ What happened at École Polytechnique shook the country, and every year we as Canadians take the opportunity to not only remind ourselves of these horrible events but also to re-commit ourselves to ensure such an act of gender-based hatred never happens again.

Violence against women takes countless forms across all stages of a woman’s life, and statistics indicate that one in three women around the world will face gender-based violence in their lives. In 2023, at least fifty-one thousand women died due to gender-based violence, which means a woman was murdered once every ten minutes for the entire year. That number is unimaginably terrible, and yet those tragic losses are only one facet of the epidemic of violence that faces women around the globe. The UN defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

To be a little more specific, The Gender Equality Commission of the Council of Europe has defined nine types of violence against women, categorizing them not based on stage of life or period, but by social context. They are: ‘Violence within the family or domestic violence,’ ’Rape and sexual violence,’ ‘Sexual harassment,’ ’Violence in institutional environments,’ ’Female genital mutilation,’ ‘Forced marriages,’ ‘Violence in conflict and post-conflict situations,’ ‘Killings in the name of honour,’ and ‘Failure to respect freedom of choice concerning reproduction.’

Gender-based violence has an incredibly old history that casts its shadow across the entire earth and can be perpetrated both by individuals and by societies. Both the Witch trials and the sexual slavery forced on the ‘comfort women’ were acts of state-sponsored violence against women, but they are by no means alone in that distinction and are by no means relics of the past. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women serves to remind us of this fact, and while the amount of progress we may have made so far might seem frighteningly small, and the length we still have to go might be overwhelmingly large, the day also calls upon us to fully commit ourselves to the fight until all of us are guaranteed a safe, secure, joyful life.

By Dongmei Yu

Awareness

16 November 2024

Trans Awareness Week isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a time to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary, and gender-diverse people while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges they face. Canada has made strides in recognizing trans rights, such as the joint statement issued by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and the Federal Housing Advocate earlier this year, which called for recognizing and protecting trans people’s fundam ental human rights. However, there’s still a lot of work to do. Trans people continue to face exclusion and challenges across different parts of life, and that’s where community support and allyship become important.

Trans people, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare, often face discrimination and unfair treatment. A 2023 survey by Canada’s Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network revealed that nearly half of gender-diverse respondents reported discrimination from landlords due to their gender identity, and it’s the same story at homeless shelters. The fear of being mistreated adds to housing instability, with Trans PULSE Canada finding that 50 % of trans respondents anticipated discrimination when seeking housing. These statistics highlight the need for laws to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender identity, has a fair chance at finding a safe and stable home.

The challenges are particularly pressing for young people in the trans community. According to a statement from the CHRC, policy debates have often overlooked the health, safety, and rights of trans and gender-diverse youth. Trans PULSE Canada’s 2021 findings showed that two in five trans and non-binary youth have seriously considered suicide, and one in ten have attempted it. This alarming reality highlights the need for supportive environments where trans youth can express themselves safely. More resources specifically designed for trans youth can help address these needs and contribute to their well-being, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and accepted.

We believe that it is important to bring trans voices and stories into the spotlight. Through education, storytelling, and advocacy, we work to increase understanding and build empathy and support among the wider public. But the work of advocacy isn’t something that trans-led and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations can do alone. This responsibility extends to all of us—individuals, community leaders, educators, and policymakers. By educating ourselves on trans issues, backing organizations that champion trans rights, and advocating for inclusive policies, we can each contribute to creating spaces where trans people feel respected and safe.

This Trans Awareness Week, let’s acknowledge our progress and the work ahead. Supporting trans rights extends beyond a week; it involves treating everyone with respect and dignity every day. By coming together, we can create an environment where all individuals feel safe and valued for who they are.

References:

https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en/resources/joint-statement-trans-visibility-starts-upholding-trans-human-rights

https://womenshomelessness.ca/wp-content/uploads/Research-Brief-on-Housing-Need-Homelessness-amongst-Gender-Diverse-Persons.pdf

https://transpulsecanada.ca/results/responsive-report-housing-barriers-among-trans-and-non-binary-adults-in-canada/

By Dongmei Yu

Awareness

8 November 2024

Every year on November 8th we recognize Intersex Day of Remembrance, also known as Intersex Solidarity Day. We use this time to recognize and bring awareness to the harm perpetuated towards the Intersex community, but also to acknowledge their strength and resilience. The Intersex community has long had a unique and wonderful bond with the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community, yet their unique struggles for basic freedoms and rights are often dismissed. Intersex Day of Remembrance is a reminder for us outside of the Intersex community to listen, learn, and reaffirm our commitments to fighting for Intersex rights wherever we can.

The date of November 8th was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a femme Intersex person who lived in 19th-century France. She was assigned female at birth, however, after she confessed to a priest that she had fallen in love with a woman, he requested her permission to have a doctor examine her. After it was subsequently discovered she was Intersex, a legal decision was declare her male. Barbin moved to Paris, where she began to write her memoirs while living in poverty. Her memoirs were later translated by Michael Foucault in 1980, bringing her feelings of having been ‘disinherited’ and forced under a ‘ridiculous inquisition’ to the attention of a broad audience. Her memoirs describe that Barbin considered herself an ‘exceptional woman’ but a woman nonetheless, regardless of what society thought. She would eventually end her own life eight years after the legal decision, but her memory would live on, not only through Intersex Day of Remembrance but also through references to her life in places such as Judith Butler’s renowned work Gender Trouble.

Intersex Awareness Day (which falls on October 26th) tends to be the more widely known day in North America, but Herculine Barbin’s story perfectly encapsulates exactly why Intersex Day of Remembrance is so critical of an occasion. Intersex people face violence on both an individual and systemic level that can be fatal, and so Intersex Day of Remembrance is an occasion for us to reflect on those affected by this cruelty and work towards ending it for good.

Prejudice against Intersex people (and thus, the focus the community’s activism often takes) manifests in a multitude of different forms. These can include ‘corrective’ and irreversible surgery performed on children far too young to give informed consent, a lack of legal recognition, equity, and protections from discrimination, and bigotry from individuals as well as the overall social system. Intersex activists have tirelessly fought against all of these issues and countless more for decades, and we also take time on Intersex Day of Remembrance to commemorate their incredible work.

Intersex people have existed since the dawn of humankind, living, loving, and finding joy just like any other person, and they’ve contributed immensely to the advancement of activism in all sorts of communities. Jim Sinclair, for instance, has done incredible work in the Neurodiversity movement. Xe was the first person to articulate the position of ‘Autism rights,’ and xyr anti-cure for Autism essay “Don’t Mourn for Us” is widely considered to be a foundational text in that movement. Xe was also the first documented Autistic person to reject the concept of ‘person-first language.’ Another pioneering Intersex activist is Gigi Raven Wilbur, who identifies as a bisexual ‘hermaphrodite,’ and was one of the three Bi+ folks who organized the very first Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day.

The fight for Intersex rights is by no means constrained to November 8th but must be continued tirelessly throughout the entire year to ensure progress continues to eclipse ignorance. Intersex people are now and forevermore a beautiful, diverse, and tenacious community, and we must make sure to listen to their voices as we work towards a brighter future.

By Dongmei Yu

Education Project

4 November 2024

Being an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is more than just a trend or a hashtag. It’s a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Here are practical ways you can be an effective ally and help create a more inclusive society.

Educate Yourself

The first step to becoming a better ally is to educate yourself. Take the time to learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology, the history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement, and the challenges these communities face. Read books, watch documentaries, or take online courses. Understanding the challenges and triumphs of this community is key to being an effective ally. Organizations like the Canadian Pride Historical Society offer valuable insights and educational materials that can guide your journey.

Listen and Learn

Listen to the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals without judgment. Engage in conversations that allow them to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Listening actively and empathetically not only validates their experiences but also helps you understand how to support them best.

Use your Voice

Don’t be afraid to speak up against discrimination and injustice. Use your voice to advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in your workplace, community, or social circles. Share articles, amplify 2SLGBTQIA+ voices on social media, and attend Pride events. Being a vocal ally helps normalize conversations around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and demonstrates your commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

Take Action

Allyship is about more than just words; it requires action. Support local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, volunteer your time, or donate to causes that matter. Attend Pride events, fundraisers, or workshops. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

Challenge Discrimination

Confront discrimination when you see it. If you witness harmful behaviour or hear derogatory remarks, address them respectfully. This might feel uncomfortable, but standing up for what is right helps create a safer environment for everyone. Encourage open dialogue and educate others about the importance of respecting all identities.

Celebrate Diversity

The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is incredibly diverse. Celebrate this diversity by engaging with different identities and cultures. Attend events that honour the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

Being an ally is a continuous learning and improvement. You may make mistakes along the way, but the important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward. Be patient with yourself and others.

Allyship extends beyond specific events like Allyship or Solidarity Week—it’s about integrating support into your daily life.

By Dongmei Yu

Awareness

16 October 2024

Every year, on the third Wednesday of October, we recognize International Pronouns Day. Today, we celebrate the beautiful ways that language shapes our experiences and reflects on how language belongs to us all, and we all have a right to use it however we see fit. International Pronouns Day was first recognized in 2018 and is commemorated by participating in grassroots organizations that seek to uplift the voices of trans and non-binary folks, as well as educating them on the topic of pronouns and just how crucial they truly are to our language.

‘Pronouns’ refer to any word that can replace a noun, which means they can be used to refer to anything from objects, animals, and of course, people. Nearly all languages around the world use pronouns that are crucial features in their grammar and vocabulary, although these pronouns often differ in many ways. Different languages have different notions as to the gender or lack thereof concerning their pronouns, while Japanese, for instance, uses pronouns far less frequently than other languages.

Among language families, it tends to be those who use ‘grammatical gender’ that also use gendered pronouns. Romance languages, for instance, assign genders to all nouns—not just living things, but objects and places as well—and thus contain grammatical gender. Most other Indo-European languages and Afro-Asiatic languages likewise have a system of grammatical gender and thus have gendered pronouns, but a few outliers to this pattern do exist. English, for example, doesn’t see a chair as feminine (as Spanish does) but does still use grammatical pronouns—he/him and she/her—even without a system of grammatical gender.

Many languages do not contain any gendered pronouns at all. The majority of Austronesian, East-Asian, Uralic, Quechuan languages, and many more, all fall into this category. Most of them likewise do not contain any sort of grammatical gender. Niger-Congo languages also fall into a similar pattern; pronouns in these languages are separated by classifications, but these do not include gender or sex. In Swahili, for example, the pronoun yeye can be used to refer to any gender, but the classification it has makes it clear that it is referring to a living being, and not any sort of object or place.

Regardless of whether a language uses gendered pronouns or not, however, there will always be a need for pronouns that work beyond the binary. Non-binary folks and others who need such language exist all over the world and speak all sorts of languages, so gender-affirming pronouns will always be needed in any language that doesn’t provide them. English has a wide array of these linguistic devices; the most common third-person gender-neutral pronouns are they/them—which have been used in a singular sense since 1375! —but many people use neo-pronouns either with or instead of that particular set. These neo-pronouns might be a little younger, but they’re an amazing display of how malleable and freeing language can be—if there isn’t a word or bit of grammar that fits your needs, make one up!

This vast expansion of language is by no means contained to English. Languages all over the world are developing new and exciting ways to include people no matter how they identify. In Spanish, the gender-neutral pronoun elle (a combination of él and ella) has been widely adopted around the globe, while German speakers have begun to use either sier or xier and Portuguese now uses elu as a third option. The rise of gender-neutral pronouns in French, meanwhile, actually owes much to Canada. While the history of iel (the most widely known French gender-neutral pronoun) can be traced back to the early 2010s, it was a group of doctoral students lobbying for its standard usage at the Université du Québec à Montréal in 2018 that truly set things in motion.

While there’s been much debate about ‘grammatical propriety’ since, including from government agencies at the provincial and federal level, the addition of iel to the Petit Robert online dictionary in October 2021 shows proof of positive change. It’s another meaningful step taken towards francophone non-binary folks feeling more comfortable in their language, and the debates have been far less polarizing in Canada when compared to France, where the fight for language that’s inclusive of everyone is still a very present battle.

International Pronouns Day serves as a great opportunity to learn about all these amazing ways language can include everyone, as well as a reminder that language’s very purpose is to do exactly that. The idea of language having ‘rules’ set in stone, never to be changed, is antithetical to the very meaning of language. The only reason we communicate the way we do today is because language evolved, and it will continue to do so for as long as anyone is around to use it. Gender-neutral pronouns are merely the latest in a long line of evolutions to the way we communicate, and they’re a truly beautiful addition indeed.

By Dongmei Yu

Awareness

8 October 2024

October 8th is International Lesbian Day, a day to celebrate the history, impact, and beautiful diversity of the Lesbian community, uplift their voices and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Lesbians throughout the entire year.

The origins of the word ‘Lesbian’ can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the lyric poet Sappho lived on the isle of Lesbos. ‘Lesbian’ as an adjective was used in the sixteenth century to describe someone who hailed from Lesbos, but Sappho’s passionate works—wherein she openly admires women and speaks of them in romantic contexts—were examined in the 19th century by women who shared her inclinations, ‘Lesbian’ took on a whole new meaning. The first documented use of ‘Lesbian’ in a context similar to its modern meaning appears in 1883 when it was used in an American medical journal referring to Joeseph Lobdell, a trans man. Lesbian is not the only term that owes its existence to Sappho; the broader label ‘Sapphic’ was derived from her name. ‘Sapphic’ describes any woman or non-binary person who loves women and non-binary folks, regardless of whether they identify as Lesbian, Bisexual, or any other identity under the rainbow.

The origins of International Lesbian Day are murky, and it’s possible the occasion arose two separate times. The earliest event can be traced back to the 1980s, in New Zealand. The very first celebration was a Lesbian Day March held on March 8th, International Women’s Day, where 40 women marched through Wellington’s Central Park. A decade later, in 1990, International Lesbian Day was celebrated for the first time at the Collingwood town hall in Melbourne, Australia on October 13th. The event featured musicians, vendors, readings, and joyful dancing, and today, Melbourne’s Lesbian community celebrates by donating to charities that support Lesbians in any multitude of ways. The date would later shift to October 8th, exactly six months after International Women’s Day.

The history of the Lesbian community is long, vibrant, and storied, but also full of struggle and resilience. Lesbians, (and sapphic folks) be they cis, trans, or non-binary, are always doubly othered both by gender and sexual and/or romantic orientation. These intertwining identities often attract unique forms of bigotry that are not faced by others in the GSRD community. Misogyny is a very present foe both outside of—but even within—the GSRD community, and in a world where a woman or AFAB person’s value is often directly calculated based on her relationship to a man, Lesbian and Sapphic folks challenge and break that concept, often threatening the fragile patriarchal viewpoints of many bigoted individuals. Butch or otherwise GNC folks face even further struggles as they ‘deviate’ from the sexist and patriarchal ‘norm’ of the feminine woman. Lesbian erasure—such as the ‘dead lesbian’ trope and the inability of some to see two women/non-binary folks as anything other than friends—is also an extremely pervasive feature of both media and the real world.

In the midst of this, however, Lesbian representation is thriving and only continuing to grow as more creators with an interest in telling these stories will gain the platform to do so. Perhaps one of the most well-known examples is the relationship between Catra and Adora in the Netflix adaptation of She-Ra, where after tireless work by both creator N.D Stevenson and the crew, and seasons of subtle hinting for those who noticed it, the show was able to close it’s season finale with a groundbreaking kiss between the two former enemies. Likewise, characters such as Amity Blight in The Owl House, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune in Sailor Moon, America Chavez from Marvel comics, Robin Buckley from Stranger Things, Kate Kane as Batwoman from the DC universe, and many more continue to break barriers and create incredible stories. Many real-world folks likewise proudly proclaim their Lesbian identities to the world, such as Hayley Kiyoko, Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Kelhani, Brandi Carlile, Tegan and Sara, Wanda Sykes, Jodie Foster, Jayne Lynch, Lily Tomlin, and many, many more.

International Lesbian Day serves as both a day of celebration and a reminder to us all to recognize and lift up the Lesbian community and Lesbian voices not only on October 8th but all year round. ‘Lesbian’ as a term is one of the oldest in the GSRD community, but age has only made it stronger, and the diversity, strength, and resilience of the Lesbian community will doubtless continue to sparkle for countless years to come.

By Dongmei Yu

Awareness

23 September 2024

September 23rd marks the observance of Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day, an occasion to learn about the history of the Bi+ community, celebrate its vibrancy and diversity, and uplift the voices of all those who identify with any label under the Bisexual+ umbrella.

The Bisexual+ umbrella, also known as the multisexual umbrella, encompasses the vast array of identities that describe those who are attracted to two or more genders. The umbrella thus encapsulates Bisexuality, Omnisexuality, Pansexuality, Polysexuality, and many more beyond those four. Each identity that falls under the umbrella is unique and individual, but the commonalities that they share allow for the usage of a metaphorical ‘umbrella’ when discussing matters than can apply to all of these communities.

Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day takes place on the final day of Bisexual+ Awareness Week (which starts on the 16th) and has since the week was created by GLADD and BiNet USA in 2014. Today, many more groups and individuals alike recognize the week around the world. To quote GLADD, Bisexual+ Awareness Week serves as a call to spend time learning about and recognising the “history, culture, community, and current policy priorities of bi+ communities.” Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day provides both a compliment and contrast to these goals, capping off the week by serving to provide a time to not only look at the challenges Bi+ people face but to celebrate the rich and diverse communities that have grown around the labels that fall under the Bi+ umbrella.

The first day commemorating bisexuality was created by BiNet USA, the United States’ oldest bisexuality organisation, which was founded in 1990 as the North American Multicultural Bisexual Network. (NAMBN). NAMBN’s first meeting was held during the first National Bisexual Conference, in San Fransisco, where the mayor of San Fransisco proclaimed June 23rd, 1990, as Bisexual Pride Day, while also “commending the bisexual rights community for its leadership in the cause of social justice.”

Our modern Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day, however, was created in 1999. The brainchild of Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur, three Bi activists, Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day was created at an annual Bi convention when the three took note of a lack of events and time specifically dedicated to the Bisexual+ Community. For a long time, western society still saw sexuality as a binary construct, with folks being either and exclusively gay or straight. To quote Wilbur, “the bisexual community also has grown in strength but in many ways, we are still invisible.” Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day was thus imagined as a way to not only raise awareness, but also to showcase the incredible Bi+ people who had always existed, regardless of what society may have thought. When deciding the date, according to Curry; “We all loved the great bisexual, Freddie Mercury. His birthday was in September, so why not Sept? We wanted a weekend day to ensure the most people would do something. Gigi’s birthday was Sept 23rd. It fell on a weekend day, so, poof! We had a day.”

Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day was first observed at the 1999 International Lesbian and Gay Association Conference in Johannesburg, and rapidly grew from then on. In 2012, Berkeley, CA became the first US city to declare a day in recognition of the Bi+ community, unanimously proclaiming September 23rd as that day. The next year, in recognition of Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day, the White House held a meeting with almost thirty Bi+ activists to discuss issues important to the Bi+ community. On the same day, the UK’s minister for Women and Equalities, Jo Swinson MP, stated in part “I welcome Bi Visibility Day which helps to raise awareness of the issues that bisexual people can face and provides an opportunity to celebrate diversity and focus on the B in LGB&T.”

Bisexual+ people face a multitude of challenges both with and apart from the wider GSRD community. Bi+ people can face erasure not only from those outside of the community, but other GSRD folks as well. Bi+ folks—particularly masculine people—can be seen as ‘just gay’ folks who refuse to fully come out, while Bi+ femmes can be accused of only identifying as such to ‘get attention from men.’ People who are straight or identify as GSRD alike have claimed that identifying as Bi+ is ‘just a phase,’ or have presumed that Bi+ people are straight if with a partner of a different gender, or gay if their partner is the same gender, while fully ignoring the reality that a Bi+ person is always Bi+ regardless of their choice of partner. The prejudiced myth of the ‘promiscuous Bisexual’ is also incredibly pervasive in both straight and GSRD spaces, as is the idea that Bi+ people cannot possibly be monogamous. This is a categorically untrue idea—though polyamorous bisexual+ folks do indeed form an intrinsic part of the community.

All of these struggles, and the many, many more that Bi+ individuals face, contribute to the statistics such as the higher rates of anxiety and depression, the higher reporting of self-harmful behaviours or ideations, the higher rates of substance abuse, and the higher likelihood of not feeling comfortable in their identity for Bi+ people. Bisexuality+ Awareness Week and Celebrate Bisexuality Day are incredibly meaningful occasions for us to not only raise awareness and work to end these struggles, but to recognize the incredible perseverance of all the communities under the Bisexual+ umbrella as they live and love as their authentic selves.

This year not only marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first Celebrate Bisexuality+ Day, but also the tenth anniversary of the inaugural Bisexuality+ Awareness Week. Bi+ people have been and always will be an inextricable part of the GSRD community, and as we recognize these important events, we must reaffirm our commitment to supporting and uplifting Bi+ people not only during these times, but throughout the entire year.

By Dongmei Yu

Volunteering

30 July 2024

Abraham Carreño

Volunteers are vital to the success of our organization, and we are grateful for the hundreds of hours our volunteers dedicate to the work of the Canadian Pride Historical Society. This volunteer spotlight is for Abraham Carreño, one of our amazing Marketing & Communications team members based out of Toronto, ON. Read more about Abraham’s volunteer experience below.

1.How did you first learn about the CPHS?

I’ve always been passionate about volunteering, especially in initiatives that celebrate and preserve GSRD history. When I searched “Pride Canada Volunteer” on Google, the Canadian Pride Historical Society was one of the top results. Its mission to document and celebrate our diverse community immediately resonated with me, leading me to apply and contribute my skills.

2.What are 3 words to describe the CPHS?

Inclusive, Educational, Inspiring.

3.What do you find the most challenging at the CPHS?

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring the accuracy of historical terms and dates. It’s crucial to maintain the integrity of our content while making it engaging. This requires a lot of careful research and attention to detail, balancing historical precision with the need to captivate our audience.

4.What do you like the most about the CPHS?

I love the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a community I deeply care about. Working with CPHS allows me to use my skills to preserve and celebrate our histories, which is incredibly fulfilling. The sense of community and shared purpose among the volunteers is also very inspiring.

5.What drew you to the CPHS originally? How has the CPHS changed since you’ve joined?

I felt an instant connection with the CPHS team when I first met them. Their dedication and passion for preserving GSRD history were evident. Since joining, I’ve noticed our work has become more streamlined and efficient, which has significantly increased our impact and reach.

By Dongmei Yu

Awareness

27 July 2024

In 1990, at the Third North American Gathering of Native Gays and Lesbians in Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre north of Winnipeg the term two-spirit was adopted. The two-spirit term was used to describe Indigenous individuals who possess both masculine and feminine spirits and attributes. This term originated from the need to develop a unique identity that honours the diverse roles and sexualities within Indigenous communities. Many tribes had previously recognized and revered individuals with both gender qualities. By adopting the term Indigenous communities have continued to officially appreciate and celebrate two-spirited people. Bringing together Indigenous gender identities under one term have paved the way for Two-Spirit individuals to reclaim their heritage and signify their place both Indigenous and the Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) communities.

With the adoption of the term, the visibility and recognition of Indigenous GSRD individuals have increased. Celebrating Two-Spirit identities challenges colonial narratives that often impose gender norms and binaries, which allows for a broader understanding of gender and sexuality that is rooted in Indigenous traditions. Events such as Pride celebrations and cultural gatherings now increasingly include Two-Spirit perspectives. This helps foster a sense of belonging and validation for those who identify as two-spirit. This shift is crucial in promoting healing and cultural resurgence, particularly in the face of historical trauma stemming from colonization and assimilation policies.

Therefore, on July 27, 2024, help celebrate the anniversary of the term’s adoption. The Two-Spirit community has been pivotal in moving dialogues forward about the intersectionalities between race, sex, and gender but many more conversations lie ahead. Use this occasion to reflect on the meaning of the term and how it has helped empower those who identify as two-spirit. Also use this time to acknowledge the challenges that still lie ahead. Inform yourself about ways that you can help advocate for the rights of both Indigenous and two-spirit communities.

References

https://www.glbthistory.org/two-spirit-voices

https://www.actioncanadashr.org/news/2014-01-17-native-youth-sexual-health-network-testimony-un-sexual-health-and-reproductive-rights-indigenous?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw9vDgsmkhwMV9DIIBR0-qgYnEAAYASAAEgJi1_D_BwE

https://www.cle.bc.ca/beyond-the-binary-two-spirit-people/

https://e2s.ca/

https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/the-history-of-two-spirit-folks

By Dongmei Yu