Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia from Deputy Premier and the Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services McPhee

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:

“Today, May 17, across the Yukon and around the world, we recognize International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the discrimination, injustices and far too often violence and harassment faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions.

“This year’s theme, Together Always: United in Diversity, emphasizes the critical need for solidarity, community and allyship in the ongoing pursuit for equal rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

“On this important day, we reaffirm our government’s commitment to standing against all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender expression or sexual characteristics. 

“We would like to recognize the hard work and dedicated efforts of the Yukon’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For years, both individuals and organizations have advocated for equal rights, acceptance and positive change. Our government is grateful to the work of organizations such as Queer Yukon Society, Gender and Sexuality Alliances, Yukon Queer Film Alliance and previously, All Genders Yukon Society, along with all the staff, volunteers, supporters and allies.

“As we celebrate the advocacy and determination of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we must recognize that there is still work to be done. The Government of Yukon remains steadfast in our many commitments outlined in the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan and is dedicated to working collaboratively with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for its full implementation.

“We've already taken significant steps, such as expanding health care insurance coverage for the trans and gender diverse community, extending coverage for gender-affirming care for trans Yukoners and trans-affirming medical procedures, services and surgeries. We are following this action plan to help make government programs and services more inclusive and accessible.  As of March 2024, our government has completed 17 action items, another 53 underway or ongoing and we hope to soon begin work on the remaining 34 items.

“We will remain focused on Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy. This strategy is essential as we continue to take action on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Establishing Shäw Kwä’ą/Health and Wellness Yukon/Santé et mieux-être Yukon will enhance efforts to transform the health and social services system, aiming to ensure health equity and reach equal health outcomes across all population groups.

“The Government of Yukon also recently became a partner of Pride at Work Canada – an organization that empowers employers to build inclusive workplaces that celebrate all employees, regardless of gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation, with the goal of building a nation where every individual can achieve their full potential at work. We are pleased that Yukon government staff will now have access to a suite of online resources, webinars and training events to help build a more inclusive workplace for all Yukon government employees.

“Day in and day out, we will continue to work to ensure that all 2SLGBTQIA+ people have access to the best possible care, representation and services.

“Today – and every day – we encourage all Yukoners to see the beauty in our territory’s diversity and to stand in solidarity with Yukon’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”