Since 2003, every May 17th, we celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia. On this day, we invite you to not only recognize the continued existence of homophobia and transphobia in our society but as well, to take a moment to celebrate the great strides we have and will continue to make in battling these oppressive ideologies.

Many different events are being held across Ontario to commemorate the day, here’s a partial list:

Durham
PFLAG Flag Raising: The Municipality of Clarington, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville @ 9:00-9:30 AM
Facebook Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8933318069#!/group.php?gid=8933318069&v=app_2344061033

Halton
Halton Organization for Pride and Education (HOPE) presents an evening to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Canyon Creek Chophouse, 2429 Fairview Street, Burlington @ 6:00-9:00 PM
Event Poster Link: http://haltonpride.org/idah_poster.pdf

Hamilton
Ontario Positive Space Teachers’ Association Network Launch: The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, 51 Stuart Street, Hamilton @ 6:00-9:00 PM
Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ontario-Positive-Space-Teachers-Association/217482684931328

The Well: The LGBTQ Community Wellness Centre of Hamilton presents: Tagging Hate…You’re “It” Hamilton, Skydragon Centre Bread & Roses Cafe, 27 King William Street, Hamilton @ 6:00-8:00 PM
Event Link: http://www.thewellhamilton.ca/2011/05/12/may-17-international-day-against-homophobia/

Pembroke
Algonquin College: Movie Night – “Prayers for Bobby”, Algonquin College-The Landing, 315 Pembroke Street East, Pembroke @ 6 PM
Event Details Link: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/Calendar/Info.aspx?c=24663&calsel=5%2F15%2F2011 

Toronto
PFLAG Flag Raising: Toronto City Hall, Podium Green Roof, Toronto, 12:30-1:00 PM 
Guest Speakers Include: Brian Burke, GM, Toronto Maple Leafs; Councillors Gord Perks and Kristyn Wong-Tam 
Facebook Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216090771752399

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia Panel Discussion: the 519, 519 Church Street, Toronto @ 7:00-9:00 PM
Facebook Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128971940511864

Windsor
Pride in the City Committee presents International Day of Homophobia: Various Events, Various Locations @ ALL DAY(!)
Event Site & Schedule Link: http://www.windsorpride.com/cms/Content/pride-in-the-city-committee-presents-international-day-against-homophobia-monday-may-17th.html

However you choose to mark the day, make the most of it as you reflect on the past and future of our LGBTQ communities in our fight to rid the world of homophobia and transphobia!