By Sebastian Westerlund
The international day against homophobia on May 17 highlights the impact of stigma on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals. Raising awareness about the difficult realities facing this population is an essential part of providing inclusive and open-minded customer service.
This day asks us to reflect on how certain policies and practices erase the existence of LGBTQ+ individuals. Our assumptions about gender and sexuality often unknowingly contribute to an institutional climate of heteronormativity that alienates this population.
The day against homophobia thus provides us with an opportunity to broaden our awareness and understanding of how workplace policies can affect LGBT people, knowledge that can help us to be inclusive and welcoming to them in our daily work.
On May 17, we encourage you to reflect on ways to challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, in order to help build a more inclusive public service.
Sebastian Westerlund is a UNE member based in Montreal.