June 1st, 2020

NDP celebrates Pride Month 2020

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement at the start of Pride Month 2020:

"Happy Pride month! This year, Pride is going to be celebrated in a very different way because of COVID-19, and we recognize that many 2SLGBTQIA+ folks will be deeply impacted by missing out on the opportunity to connect in person, and feel the support and community that Pride events offer for so many. But we also celebrate the fact that 2SLGBTQIA+ folks are a community, even when they’re apart. Innovative virtual Pride events that have been planned throughout the month, all over the province, prove Pride will always rise.

The Ontario NDP is proud of our history fighting alongside the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Together, we’ve achieved equal parenting rights (2016), banning conversion therapy (2015) and entrenching transgender and gender diverse people's rights in the Ontario Human Rights Code (2012).

But now, we’re focused on the work ahead of us, particularly the work that still needs to be done to improve Queer health care and long-term care.

2SLGBTQIA+ folks still face challenges accessing health care services that are friendly, affirming, and fit their needs. And, sadly, 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors who need long-term care often enter environments that are homophobic and transphobic, threatening their safety and well-being, and forcing them back into the closet.

People should not have to fight for health care, should not have to wait longer for health care, and should never receive less care because of who they are — including trans and non-binary folks.

The NDP is committed to working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to achieve more progress together, when it comes to Queer health. We’re committed to:

  • Making pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) free and available
  • Ensuring more timely access to fertility programs – which have been put on hold during COVID-19
  • Making all gender affirming transition drugs and therapies accessible, and fully covered by OHIP
  • Improving access to primary and secondary gender affirming surgeries and transition related procedures, right here in Ontario.
  • Ensuring health care decisions respect the internationally-accepted standards of care established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
  • Creating more inclusive and affirmative long-term care, so people can always live with Pride.