MUNFA Statement on International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and Intersexphobia.
May 15, 2026MUNFA joins communities around the world in marking the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and Intersexphobia.
This day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, while recognizing that systemic discrimination, harassment, and violence continue to cause real harm, including within universities and academic workplaces.
MUNFA stands in solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues, students and community members. We affirm that a safe, equitable and inclusive university is not incidental to academic excellence, it is foundational to it. Academic freedom and human dignity are inseparable vales, and both require us to actively oppose hatred and oppression in all their forms.
We recognize the particular importance of acknowledging Two-Spirit identities within our broader commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, including the ongoing harms caused by the colonial erasure of Indigenous languages and Nation-specific gender identities. Genuine inclusion must be grounded in an understanding of these intersecting histories and ongoing struggles.
2SLGBTQIA+ rights are under renewed attack across North America, including rollbacks in protections for gender-diverse youth and those seeking gender affirming care. In this context, solidarity requires advocacy, institutional accountability and a willingness to speak clearly against discrimination whenever it occurs.
MUNFA encourages all members to use this day to reflect, learn and act, whether by engaging with 2SLGBTQIA+ resources and scholarship, supporting colleagues and students facing discrimination, or advocating for stronger equity protections in our workplaces.
Resources for review
LGBTQ+ Resources at Memorial: https://www.mun.ca/student/student-supports-and-services/respectful-campus-community/sexual-and-gender-diversity/lgbtq-resources-at-memorial/
The Quadrangle: https://www.thequadnl.com
Planned Parenthood 2SLGBTQIA+ Warm Line: https://www.plannedparenthoodnlshc.com/warmline.html
Family Equality: https://familyequality.org/resources/
