Honouring International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 

Why this day is so important 

Observed annually on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) marks the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. This was a major milestone in the global movement for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. 

Since first being recognized in 2005, IDAHOBIT has grown into a worldwide day of advocacy and solidarity, where communities around the world mark the day through events, education, conversations, art, advocacy and acts of support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. 

Today, IDAHOBIT is observed in more than 155 countries and territories. 

“At the heart of democracy” 

This year’s theme, “At the heart of democracy,” asks an important question: what does it actually take for people to fully participate in their communities and feel like they truly belong there? 

At CMHA branches across Ontario, we know mental health is deeply connected to whether people feel safe, respected, included and supported in the communities around them. For many 2SLGBTQIA+ people, those feelings are too often disrupted by discrimination and barriers to affirming care and support. 

IDAHOBIT is an opportunity to recognize that creating healthier communities means creating communities where people can access care and support without fear of judgement or harm. Where everyone has the freedom to live openly and authentically.

How CMHA Muskoka–Parry Sound Supports 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities

CMHA Muskoka–Parry Sound is committed to providing affirming, inclusive, and accessible mental health and addictions services for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and communities across our region. We strive to create environments where people feel respected, supported, and safe to be themselves.

We support 2SLGBTQIA+ community members through:

Affirming mental health and addictions services

We provide client-centred care that respects gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and works to reduce barriers to accessing support.

Inclusive staff training and learning

All staff are required to complete the Rainbow Health Ontario 2SLGBTQ+ Foundations Course, ensuring a shared baseline of knowledge in providing respectful, affirming care. This training supports ongoing learning in inclusive language, identities, and best practices in care delivery.

Brave Space Committee

Our internal Brave Space Committee supports ongoing organizational learning and action toward inclusion. The committee helps guide conversations, identify gaps, and strengthen practices that foster psychological safety and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ staff, clients, and community members.

Safer, more inclusive spaces

We are committed to creating safer spaces across all CMHA Muskoka–Parry Sound locations through respectful communication practices, inclusive policies, and continuous improvement of our service environments.

Community partnerships and referrals

We work alongside local and regional partners to help connect individuals to affirming resources, supports, and community-based services that meet diverse needs.

Crisis and wraparound supports

Individuals accessing our services are supported through trauma-informed, person-centred care, including access to crisis supports and coordinated referrals when additional care is needed.

Ongoing commitment

We recognize that inclusion is ongoing work. CMHA Muskoka–Parry Sound continues to learn, listen, and evolve our practices to better support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across Muskoka–Parry Sound.

If you would like to learn more about local supports or services, please reach out to your nearest CMHA Muskoka–Parry Sound office.