Advocacy is a HUGE piece of the inclusion work we do at Simply Good Form Inc.
Here is a compilation of some of this advocacy, outreach and media.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Pflag Halifax statement of solidarity:
May 16, 2023
OPEN LETTER
Pflag Canada chapters from coast to coast stand united against hate
On May 17, people around the world observe International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB).
This year’s theme of “together always: united in diversity,” is an urgent reminder of the power of solidarity to push back against a rising tide of misinformation, hate speech, hate actions, and violence directed at the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada and around the world.
As a community of 2SLGBTQ+ people, family members, friends, and allies, pflag Canada chapters are deeply concerned with the erosion of 2SLGBTQ+ rights in the United States and a corresponding increase in hateful and harmful rhetoric and actions here in Canada.
Today and every day, pflag Canada chapters from coast to coast denounce those who attempt to demonize and marginalize 2SLGBTQ+ people. Further, we call upon community leaders, elected officials, and allies to do their part to protect the dignity and human rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people, and to recognize, affirm, and celebrate the rich diversity of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities.
We have a collective responsibility to end homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. We must protect and advance the hard-fought gains that have taken decades to achieve through the tireless work and dedication of countless activists and advocates.
We encourage allies to help in our efforts:
• Speak out against bigotry, misinformation and hate speech.
• Be a positive presence at Pride events.
• Listen to and amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQ+ folks.
• Listen to and support your 2SLGBTQ+ family members, friends, and colleagues.
While we recognize the battle before us, we also recognize the power of solidarity, diversity, and hope to bring about change. Together we can ensure equality, respect, and dignity for all.
The pflag Canada chapter network offers peer support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, family members, friends, and allies. We envision a world that affirms, respects, and values all sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions.
SIGNATORIES:
We, the pflag chapters listed below, along with pflag Canada, wholeheartedly support this statement.
pflag Barrie-Simcoe
pflag Brandon & Area
pflag Canada
pflag Cranbrook
pflag Durham Region
pflag Edmonton
pflag Grand Falls-Windsor
pflag Halifax
pflag Halton
pflag Kelowna
pflag Nanaimo
pflag Niagara
pflag North Peace Region
pflag Ottawa
pflag Owen Sound
pflag Peel Region
pflag Peterborough
pflag Renfrew County
pflag Sarnia-Bluewater
pflag Sault Ste. Marie
pflag Southwest Nova Scotia
pflag Stratford
Toronto Pflag
pflag Vancouver
pflag Victoria
pflag Waterloo Wellington Perth
pflag York Region
The Atlantic Journal, CBC Radio TV Canada:
Adrien Doucette (4:30) https://ici.radio-canada.ca/tele/le-telejournal-acadie/site/episodes/730308/episode-du-17-mai-2023
CTV News May 17, 2023
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
“Queer all year”
Cynthia and Isaac talking inclusion in Summer 2022 issue The Business Voice with Halifax Chamber of Commerce:
“Seeing businesses embrace Pride with rainbows and flags is great if it inspires a conversation. I would like to see more businesses leading the way by getting the tools to be intentional about it. There are years of struggle, erasure, exclusion, and lost lives embedded in those bright rainbow colours. There is a responsibility for everyone to be part of changing this narrative.”
— Cynthia Sweeney Simply Good Form
N.S. has highest percentage of trans and non-binary residents, according to new census data
“What gets measured is what gets counted,” said Dr. Andrew Link about their study ‘One Chance To Be A Child’.
For the first time ever, the Canadian 2021 Census has included transgender and non-binary people as part of the population. Why is this significant, for trans and gender expansive youth and also trans adults? And what surprised us the most?
Tune-in to our Isaac Cook, Sr. DEI Consultant with Simply Good Form, breaking it down with Jeff Douglas:
CTV Morning LIVE
Information Morning: Free 2SLGBT reading event at schools across the province
Bite-Sized Balance: Raising Transgender Kids and Allies
