If the news about the systemic discrimination rooted in racism and homophobia at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) has taught us anything, it is that our fight for justice for LGBTQI2S people is far from over. The CMHR was established to give a voice to those who have suffered and who continue to suffer discrimination and human rights violations in Canada. It was created to share our truth, stories of success and the rights that our community, and many of you reading this here today, have fought for and achieved. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. Since 1969, our community has won many court battles and strived to create a more inclusive culture. From ending discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation to achieving marriage equality Canada-wide in 2005, adding gender expression and gender identity as protected grounds to the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Federal Apology for years of state-sponsored systemic oppression targetting LGBTQI2S public servants and military personnel. We have collectively fought for every right our community has today, and we are still fighting. We are fighting with and for our Black, Indigenous and People of Colour LGBTQI2S communities who are disproportionately impacted across the board. We are fighting to end the blood ban and conversion therapy, we are fighting for intersex human rights, trans visibility protections and inclusion, health care access, sports inclusion, workplace inclusion, safer schools, and we are fighting for our seniors who are being forced back into the closet when they enter long-term care. There is so much more. It is disgraceful that our highest institution of human rights has been hiding our truth for almost as long as it has existed and that they have gotten away with it for so long. Having only opened in 2014, the CMHR has admitted to hiding LGBTQI2S history upon request until 2017 (and likely longer). If we know anything about discrimination, it's that it doesn't end with policy, that is merely a starting point. The recent apology from CMHR executives and proposed actions are a starting point. However, the lack of leadership and shameful behaviour from this institution has left us with the painful reminder of just how much work our community has left to do - from courts to culture - if we are to create a Canada and a world where everyone can achieve their full potential free from hatred and bias. We will not be silenced. | 
