We Are Changing
From the beginning of human kind, we have needed each other for survival
From the beginning of humankind, we have needed each other for survival.
Humanity is always evolving, progressing and improving. With change comes uncertainty, which can lead to fear, misunderstanding and ignorance of the unknown.
Being apart of the LGBTQIA+ community can come with a huge wave of emotions, feelings and ideas.
For many LGBTQIA+ people, family rejection is one of the most painful and damaging aspects of their identity. Coming out can result in abandonment, emotional abuse, or even physical violence from family members. A sense of isolation, combined with experiences of bullying and harassment, increases the likelihood of mental health struggles. Youth are particularly vulnerable, as they may lack access to safe spaces or supportive adults.
The LGBTQIA+ community has been instrumental in pushing for legislative reforms and policies that protect and promote the rights of sexual and gender minorities. These efforts have led to the decriminalization of homosexuality in many parts of the world, as well as advances in workplace protections, adoption rights, healthcare access, and marriage equality.
Continued advocacy is needed to ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals are not left behind in areas such as healthcare access, employment discrimination, and criminal justice reform.
One thing is for sure, we need to come together as a society and support each other through these evolutionary moments in life. Creating a safe supportive community is crucial for individuals to be able to express themselves freely without fear of judgment, discrimination, rejection or harm.
These community spaces foster mental and emotional resilience, offering solidarity, support, understanding, advice, and empowerment. Below is a map of some groups or centers offering services to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Canadian History On Law Changes:
Up until 1869
Sodomy between men was punishable by death, imprisonment, whippings or pillory.
1890
House of Commons introduced a new offence ‘gross indecency’.
1892
Gross indecency was added to the criminal code referring solely to sex between men.
There was some debate on what defined gross indecency and it was never fully defined. Social anxieties around homosexuality raised concerns over misuse of the law due to lack of clarity.
1953
Above law was extended to women. According to Criminal Code, S.C. 1953-54, c. 51, s. 149, “Every one who commits an act of gross indecency with another person is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for five years.”
1969
Sodomy and gross indecency laws were changed. The Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1968–69 added an exemption to the Criminal Code. Parties involved had to 21+ years of age and conduct affairs in private. Sodomy and gross indecency remained illegal outside of the home, or if 3+ people were involved.
1987
Gross indecency was repealed as an offence, with sodomy still being criminalized with continued exceptions.
2005
The federal Civil Marriage Act came into force legalizing same sex marriages across all provinces and territories.
2018
LGBT Purge Class Action Settlement Agreement (Final).
A new law was passed to make sure that those convicted of crimes unfairly - including LGBTQ2 people-would be able to have their convictions removed from record.
2019
The age for consent for sodomy became equal for all individuals at age 16.
"We deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise,"
Elliot Page