EVERY ALLY COUNTS!

Last year, on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we dared to name a reality that many are facing: LGBTQ+ rights are being rolled back.

It wasn’t an exaggeration. It wasn’t fear.

It was a warning.

And since then, unfortunately, events have proven us right.

What we dreaded is happening—and it’s only just begun.

Legal attacks are being reported in many countries, where new laws are restricting LGBTQ+ rights or dismantling existing protections:

• United States: Multiple executive orders targeting trans people
• Hungary: Law limiting Pride marches
• Russia: Criminalization of the “LGBTQ+ movement”
• United Kingdom: Regressive legal definition of trans women
• Ghana: Prison sentences for supporting LGBTQ+ activities

And here too, the signs are troubling.

In Canada, police-reported hate crimes related to sexual orientation more than quadrupled between 2018 and 2023—from 186 to 860 cases.

According to a 2024 Léger Marketing survey:

• 18% of Canadians believe attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people have worsened.
• 34% of Canadians report an increase in hate speech.

In this context, LGBTQ+ people need the support of allies more than ever to protect their rights. That’s why this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia campaign is sharing a clear message: every action counts, every voice matters—be the Ally Effect.

The answer is simple: anyone.

Through concrete actions, anyone can help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and contribute to a more inclusive environment.

Even though 1 in 2 Canadians identify as allies, more and more are hesitant to show it openly. In ten years, the proportion of people who prefer not to take a stance has more than doubled—from 9% to 25% in workplaces, for instance.

Some hesitate to call themselves allies because the term feels too “activist,” or they fear doing it wrong, being judged or not doing enough.

We often hear: “I don’t know all the terms.” or “I’m not sure how to respond to inappropriate jokes…”

So, let’s remind ourselves: What is an ally?

An ally is someone who acts in solidarity with a marginalized group they don’t belong to. In the context of sexual and gender diversity, it refers to someone who supports LGBTQ+ people’s struggles for full equality.

A person from one LGBTQ+ group can also be an ally to another group (e.g. a lesbian person supporting trans rights). The term can also apply to organizations that promote inclusion in their environments.

Here are 5 ways to support change:

• Listen actively: It’s helpful to hear LGBTQ+ stories with openness, without minimizing or correcting their lived experiences.
• Keep learning: Deepen your understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, realities and issues.
• Reflect on your environment: Question the norms, practices, or systems in place at work, school or in your community to identify how they can be more inclusive.
• Engage your community: Everyone can help change the culture around them—within their families, friend groups or workplaces.

Speak up when possible: Sometimes, LGBTQ+ people can’t safely speak out. Showing solidarity by responding respectfully and kindly to harmful comments, etc. can make a real difference.