March 1, 2022

 

La version française suivra.

For the last two years, Egale has been receiving funding support under Global Affairs Canada’s Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) to work with our partner organization, LGBT Association LIGA in Ukraine. Together, we worked to improve police response and investigation related to SOGIESC-related hate crimes and enhance civil society capacity to improve responses to these crimes.

Our work coincides with the large-scale police reform efforts in Ukraine along with new hate crimes legislation being developed and considered by the government.  With the endorsement of Ukraine's Ministry of the Internal Affairs, this included the development and delivery of intensive LGBTI trainings for police investigators in six regions only four short months ago. We are extremely concerned for our partners and for all people, especially LGBTI people, who are currently in Ukraine during this time.

Economic sanctions are not enough, and we must do more to stop Russia’s occupation and killing of innocent civilians in Ukraine. In an open letter, we call on the Canadian government to take the following actions:

- Immediate and harsh economic sanctions toward Russia

- Relaxation of visa entry requirements for targeted individuals and their families, in particular, LGBTQI human rights defenders

- Enhanced military support to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and ongoing reform efforts

- Continued and enhanced funding to support the LGBTQI community in Ukraine through the government’s various international funding streams

Canada must do its part to protect LGBTQI people, an incredibly vulnerable and at-risk community in Ukraine at this time. Please join the discussion and attend the panel below to learn how you can help.  

 

 
 

Au cours des deux dernières années, Égale a reçu un soutien financier dans le cadre du Programme pour la stabilisation et les opérations de paix (PSOPs) d'Affaires mondiales Canada pour travailler avec notre organisme partenaire, l'association LGBT LIGA en Ukraine. Ensemble, nous avons travaillé à améliorer la réponse de la police et les enquêtes sur les crimes haineux liés à l'OSIG et à renforcer la capacité de la société civile à améliorer les réponses à ces crimes.

Notre travail coïncide avec les efforts de réforme de la police à grande échelle en Ukraine, ainsi qu'avec la nouvelle législation sur les crimes de haine en cours d'élaboration et d'examen par le gouvernement.  Avec l'aval du ministère ukrainien de l'Intérieur, nous avons élaboré et dispensé des formations LGBTI intensives aux enquêteurs de police dans six régions, il y a quatre mois à peine. Nous sommes extrêmement inquiet.ète.s pour nos partenaires et pour toutes les personnes, en particulier les personnes LGBTI, qui se trouvent actuellement en Ukraine pendant cette période.

Les sanctions économiques ne suffisent pas, et nous devons faire plus pour mettre fin à l'occupation russe et au massacre de civils innocents en Ukraine. Dans une lettre ouverte, nous demandons au gouvernement canadien de prendre les mesures suivantes :

- Des sanctions économiques immédiates et sévères envers la Russie.

- Assouplissement des conditions d'entrée sur le territoire pour les personnes visées et leurs familles, en particulier les défenseurs des droits humains LGBTQI.

- Un soutien militaire accru pour protéger la souveraineté de l'Ukraine et les efforts de réforme en cours.

- Le maintien et l'augmentation du financement pour soutenir la communauté LGBTQI en Ukraine par le biais des différents flux de financement internationaux du gouvernement.
 

Le Canada doit faire sa part pour protéger les personnes LGBTQI, une communauté incroyablement vulnérable et à risque en Ukraine en ce moment. Veuillez participer à la discussion et assister au panel ci-dessous pour savoir comment vous pouvez aider.  

 
 


Helen Kennedy, Executive Director

2SLGBTQI News

 

Ukraine LGBTQ activists strongly condemn Russia invasion | Washington Blade

 

LGBTQ Ukrainians take a stand against Russian invasion | 76 Crimes 

 

Soccer league’s first-ever Pride Game shows the power of athletes coming out | Outsports

 

Non-profit gets $130K to raise awareness and end violence against Indigenous women and girls | CBC

 

Texas governor orders gender-confirming care for transgender kids to be treated as abuse | Global News

 

Actor and trans advocate Elliot Page set to release debut memoir: Pageboy | Daily Hive

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Support ukraine LGBTQI Human Rights

Supporting LGBTQI Communities in Ukraine Now - A Panel Discussion

Please join us March 1st at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (ET) to discuss the issues impacting Ukraine’s LGBTIQ communities right now. With Russia’s incursion into eastern Ukraine and the threat of annexation or war in the region, LGBTIQ communities are on edge. This is a moderated discussion with two Ukrainian LGBTIQ activists.

 
Queering Mental Health Social workers, psychologists, counselors free webinar

 Are you a social worker, counsellor or healthcare professional wanting to improve 2SLGBTQI inclusion in your practice?

Join us for our Free 2SLGBTQI Inclusion Webinar on Mar 2, 2022 – 12:00 – 1:30 PM (ET) or Mar 3, 2022 – 12:00 – 1:30 PM (ET).

2SLGBTQI people are falling through the gaps in the Canadian mental health system. 2SLGBTQI people are especially vulnerable both amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Exclusion, discrimination and a lack of cultural competence in mental health systems prevent vulnerable 2SLGBTQI people from accessing the inclusive services and care they need to manage mental health. As an immediate response, we have developed a training for mental health and social service providers.

 
 
 
 
 
Teenage or post-secondary student sits at a brightly lit outside table with 2 peers in the abckground. They look right into camera.

Build Inclusive Schools with our exclusive educator portal and free live webinars!

We are hosting dozens of free live webinars for educators and school staff in English and French! Topics include an introduction to 2SLGBTQI inclusion in schools, cyberbullying, faith and 2SLGBTQI youth, and trans & nonbinary youth. Plus, you can now join the conversation with other educators across Canada to share ideas, resources, and questions on 2SLGBTQI inclusion in our online portal. Check out our schedule below and register today!

 
 
 
 
Older person with short grey hair is standing outside and looking directly into the camera.
 

Will Power: Use the power of your will to do more!

Wills are more than just a legal document to distribute your personal assets. They are also a powerful tool to make change in the world. Will Power is a national movement, made up of charities, financial advisors and legal professionals across the country, working together to show Canadians that they have the power to make a difference through their Will. Egale is a proud partner in the Will Power movement.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Egale Canada
120 Carlton Street, Suite 217  | Toronto, Ontario M5A 4K2
416-964-7887 | [email protected]

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Egale works to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues. Egale achieves this by informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education and community engagement. 

Our vision is a Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias. 

 

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