Fondation Émergence launches a campaign with the theme "Homophobia and Transphobia Affect All Ages" - The 2016 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

MONTREAL, March 30, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Today Fondation Émergence announces the theme and visuals for the 2016 campaign against homophobia and transphobia, which highlights the realities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seniors.

The unveiling of the visuals marks the launch of the 2016 campaign and is linked with the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which will be observed on May 17^th. The campaign's theme Homophobia and Transphobia Affect All Ages, is depicted in the visuals through the faces of LGBT seniors, conveying serenity despite the homophobia and transphobia that they encounter in their living environments.

"LGBT seniors have experienced the criminalization, medical pathologization and religious condemnation of homosexuality and transgender identity, which are the roots of prejudice and stigma that still exist today, particularly among seniors," commented Claude Leblond, President of Fondation Émergence.

"However, thanks to their struggles, today's young people enjoy greater freedom. It's the perfect time to tell young people about the history of LGBT rights and to remind them that nothing should be taken for granted," he added.

The National Bank, official partner of the May 17^th observation
David Pinsonneault, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking and International at the National Bank, pointed out that "It's only through the awareness-raising efforts of an entire generation of LGBT individuals that we have made so much progress. Recognizing the contribution of these people through the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, with which the National Bank has partnered for three years, is an excellent way of thanking them and giving them all the respect and recognition they deserve."  

Supporting the campaign
Fondation Émergence is counting on the participation of the public to make the 2016 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia a success. The organization encourages everyone to distribute the communication tools on social media as well as in seniors' residences, workplaces, and schools. These tools include posters, a brochure and stickers, all in French and English and in paper and digital formats. The digital posters will be available in 20 languages.

An activity guide available on the website offers a range of ideas to encourage organizations, businesses and individuals to take part in the fight against homophobia and transphobia.  

For more details about the campaign and to order material

• Website: homophobie.org  
• Facebook: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, May 17^th   
• Twitter: @may17mai  
  

About Fondation Émergence
Fondation Émergence works to fight homophobia and transphobia and to defend the rights and inclusion of LGBT people in society through various programs, including support for seniors and the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17^th: fondationemergence.org

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SOURCE Fondation Émergence

Source and information on ordering material: Fondation Émergence: 438 384-1058, [email protected]; Information about the campaign: Laurent Breault, Program Director, Fondation Émergence, Phone.: [phone], P.O. Box 55510, Centre Maisonneuve, Montreal (Quebec) H1W 0A1