International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 17th
The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia takes place around the world on May 17. This day emphasizes that homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia are still the reality in the daily lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans members of our communities. Started in 2004 as the International Day against Homophobia, it has become a day to raise awareness and to fight discrimination and violence towards 2SLGBTQI+ people.
A Prayer for this Day
Creator, we come to you with both the joys and the sorrows of our hearts.
We are grateful for the gift of life and the joy that it can bring.
For families and friends who love us.
For allies who stick up for us,
even when we cannot risk sticking up for ourselves.
For the great diversity you have created in our world.
We pray for those who suffer from discrimination
because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Who worry about their employment or who cannot find a job.
For those who must hide who they are to find housing.
For those who are not safe on our streets.
For those who do not feel safe in their place of worship.
Help us to end homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia,
and all forms of discrimination and hate.
Show us the way to make this world a better place for all.
— a prayer by Ruth Wood, from the worship service “Speaking Our Truth”
for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
~ found on The United Church of Canada website