Post compiled by Dr Obren Amiesimaka, Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group Member at RRC Polytech. Thanks to our eight contributors for sharing their perspectives: Tracy Zhou, Jodi Z, and six other staff and students.

Standing against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is essential, which is why May 17^th each year is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The theme of #IDAHOBIT2026 is “At the heart of democracy”, underlining that justice and equity for everyone is at the centre of truly democratic societies. In that spirit, we hear eight voices from amongst our staff and students on the importance of IDAHOBIT.

IDAHOBIT means a lot

The significance of this observance cannot be overemphasised: “IDAHOBIT is a day of visibility, reflection, and courage. It reminds me that people like me exist everywhere, even in places where it is difficult to be open. … it represents both how far we still need to go and how important it is to speak up and be seen.”

Another voice notes the day helps raise awareness that “we’re still making progress on the path towards inclusion, acceptance and understanding” and it spotlights “topics that are tough for some to talk about and accept.” “This day will continue to be relevant as long as there’s resistance towards 2SLGBTQIA+ rights”.

For yet another contributor, IDAHOBIT provides an opportunity to share “personal experiences of homophobia in the hopes that it might make space for individual reflection and change.” However, care should be taken for it not to feel “like a performative occasion where institutions …pat themselves on the back.”

The dad of a transgender child, on IDAHOBIT, celebrates “watching [his] son (assigned female at birth) move from a place of anxiety and depression in junior high, to being a confident, thoughtful and assured high school student with his sights clearly set on post-secondary education.” He also celebrates “love, curiosity and connection as the basis for human thriving” alongside “organizations like Trans Manitoba – who fight for trans rights and visibility, and the rights of people of all genders.”        

It is also a time when he reflects on how: “shame, judgment, blame and violence continue to be seen as acceptable responses to trans folks, [and] trans people are categorized as aberrant, mentally unwell, and therefore, a target for attack”.

Describing Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia “are forms of fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice” based on people’s sexual orientation and gender identity.  This can present in different forms: “avoidance and micro-aggressions, … the laws …and regulations”, alongside “strangers misgendering you/your partner, forms that can’t be accurately completed, and in people’s actions from disgusted smirks to physical violence.” They can also be on a range of levels, from systemic and structural to internalised and interpersonal. “For example, as a bisexual person, [a contributor] faced stereotypes and lack of acceptance even in queer spaces.” In whatever format, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia cause “emotional, psychological and physical harms within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.” Some note that the ‘phobia’ part does not indicate a justified fear but a willful antipathy towards the very existence of queer folx.  

The world we deserve

A world without homo-, bi- and trans-phobia is one where queer folx “don’t have to explain or justify who they are”, “would be able to open… socials without [seeing] acts of hate.”; and where “what you have (or don’t have) in your pants is no longer interesting.”

As a contributor says:“It looks like my family members acknowledging my spouse, not my “friend”, and celebrating our marriage equally to those who had straight marriages. It looks like inclusion that goes beyond tolerance and into celebration of the uniqueness 2SLGBTQIA+ [folx] bring to our vibrant world. …It’s not only allowing us to eat at the table, but it’s meeting our unique ‘diets’ and not complaining about the inconvenience but being excited that you get to try something new because we’re at the table. It looks like safety when we travel, and not having to research laws and perceptions before booking the trip. It looks like checking into hotels and not being questioned for having one bed. It looks like servers not mistaking us for friends or for our gender presentation. It looks like all men having the freedom to embrace femininity without fear of being othered.”

Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ myths got to go!

There are several homo-, bi- and trans-phobic myths that must be set aside; such as the ideas that queer folx “must have mental illness”, choose to be 2SLGBTQIA+, or are a passing “trend” or “fad”. Others are that “it is ‘common sense’ that everyone is either a man or a woman”, or that “bisexual people are ‘more likely to cheat’ or are ‘confused’. … Trust and loyalty are about a person’s character, not their sexual orientation”.

Tips on supporting IDAHOBIT

Anyone wishing to uphold the IDAHOBIT spirit should “listen to us. Vote like our lives depend on it (they do). Be open to unlearning, and when you make a mistake, do not ask us to make you feel better about it. Learn. Move forward knowing better and doing better. Help us carry the weight.”   

“Go into the world with curiosity and a humble desire to understand (not judge) that which seems different to you… There are many experiences of being a man or woman all along a spectrum.” “Avoid making assumptions about others’ identities. Stand up when you see discrimination, even in small everyday situations. And most importantly, create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves—because acceptance starts with how we treat each other daily.”

“Be kind”, “keep an open mind” and allow yourself to “unlearn … to aid in relearning a new narrative.”

The quotes shared in this blog reflect the personal views of the contributors.

At RRC Polytech, we acknowledge that homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia exist, and that their impacts are real. We strive to create safe and supportive spaces for meaningful reflection and conversation, while recognizing that these topics may bring up strong emotions, particularly for those with lived experience.

We encourage students and staff to take care of their mental health and access the available supports and self-care resources through the Supports and Resources page and Staff Forum.