CHANGEMAKERS’ official announcement
Earlier this year, Pride at Work Canada launched a call for nominations for a program looking to recognize excellence in 2SLGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion as part of its 15th-anniversary celebrations. CHANGEMAKERS is our way of spotlighting and appreciating 15 people, across Canada, who are championing Two-Spirit, queer and trans inclusion in the corporate, public service, and non-profit sectors. Today we are proud to announce the 15 individuals whose contributions have helped to create a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape.
CHANGEMAKERS’ official announcement was planned to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) to emphasize the significance of visibility in combating discrimination. Today, Pride at Work Canada had the honour of making history by announcing it during Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) market open. Jade Pichette (they/them), Director of Programs, led the opening ceremony, tackling the importance of trans and non-binary inclusion in the workplace, alongside colleagues and Community and Proud Partners.
Our campaign wants to inspire others to follow the CHANGEMAKERS’s path for a transformative future by sharing diverse voices from coast to coast to coast. Their collective and collaborative work impacts the 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion movement and leads to taking concrete action to create spaces where Two-Spirit, queer and trans people can thrive and belong.
We also want to acknowledge all remarkable nominees and their profound leadership and commitment to cultivating inclusive environments. Aligned with our values, Pride at Work Canada believes in the strength that comes from unity and the importance of recognizing leaders like you. Our public commitment is to support and celebrate your impactful contributions in advancing Two-Spirit, queer and trans inclusion no matter where you are.
Post-event updates after TSX ceremony and the official announcement
Jade Pichette’s remarks
We are gathered here today to recognize the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia. A day originally created in 2004 to raise awareness about the continued discrimination that Two-spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) communities experience. May 17th was chosen because May 17, 1990, was when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. Since 2019 we have also seen trans identities removed from those same Classification of Diseases.
We have seen a lot of progress in the last few decades from the legalization of same-sex adoption, and marriage, the legal protection of gender identity and expression, the outlawing of conversion practices, an ending of the blood ban, and an increased commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees. These have all been wins for our communities, but they have also come at a cost.
We are now seeing one of the greatest backlashes against our communities in decades. In three provinces we have seen anti-trans legislation either be proposed or put through with the use of the notwithstanding clause to trample the rights of trans youth, we have seen some municipalities banning the use of pride flags on public property, and we’ve seen anti-2SLGBTQIA+ protests happening across the country to put fear into our community. In fact, stats have noted that there has been a significant increase in hate crimes being reported against the community and CSIS has warned of impending risk of extreme violence.
This anti-2SLGBTQIA+ wave is one that is global in nature. To the south in the United States we have seen over 500 anti-trans, anti-drag, and anti-gay bills be introduced this year. In Russia, we’ve seen our communities labelled extremists and dangerous for just being ourselves. And in Ghana and Uganda, we’ve seen some of the most anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation of the century.
Regardless our community is resilient in the face of hatred and bigotry. This week, events have been happening throughout the country as part of a Rainbow Week of Action which is showcasing the strength, advocacy and care that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community puts forward.
Today we are at the Toronto Stock Exchange for a reason, because corporate Canada has a role to play in making change. Workplaces across the country are the site where people connect, learn about each other, and interact in ways that they wouldn’t otherwise. Workplaces play a role in creating environments that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
We know though that it is people who are behind the work of creating more inclusive workplaces and a more inclusive Canada. That’s why today I’m excited to share with you today the launch of our program CHANGEMAKERS.
In honour of our 15th anniversary, we have assembled 15 CHANGEMAKERS from our community and Proud Partners. These 15 people have showcased that it is possible to make a difference for our communities. We are joined today by supporters and some of these CHANGEMAKERS while the other CHANGEMAKERS are busy making an impact in their home communities from St. John’s, to Ottawa, to Whitehorse.
It is through their dedication, commitment and resolve that they have made change through their workplaces, their communities, and political change. To learn more about each of our CHANGEMAKERS go to prideatwork.ca/changemakers. These CHANGEMAKERS show that an inclusive Canada is not only possible but truly attainable. On this day we recognize them and all the others making a difference in corporate Canada and beyond. Thank you.
Jade Pichette (they/them)
Director of Programs
Pride at Work Canada
Post-event coverage
- Pride at Work Canada Opens the Market – Cision
- Pride at Work Canada Opens the Market – Yahoo! Finance