We, Canada and the diplomatic missions of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay proudly support the 2023 Capital Pride Festival as a celebration of diversity and inclusion around the world.

“Get Proud, La Fierté Haut et Fort” - this year’s Capital Pride theme - is exactly what we do! We celebrate even more loudly and proudly when we do so together. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you love; each and every person belongs to the inclusive and diverse society we, Diplomats for Equality, work for every day. We are fully committed to the principle of non-discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and/or sex characteristics. Every individual, regardless of where they live, should have the freedom to express themselves and love whomever they choose, without the threat of harassment, violence, discrimination, or retaliation.

Together, we will continue to stand up for 2SLGBTIQ+ rights! Together we will advocate for inclusivity.

Anti-2SLGBTIQ+ protests and ideologically motivated hate crimes are increasing globally both in frequency and scale. The number of police-reported hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity has increased. Headwinds against securing 2SLGBTIQ+ rights have become stronger, including in educational settings.

Support is crucial as the 2SLGBTIQ+ community is disproportionately exposed to systematic disadvantages and risks and 2SLGBTIQ+ youth are 2-3 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Among ethnic minorities, the risks are even higher.

We stand together against developments we witness globally: the rise of anti-gender movements, repressive legislation, and alarming numbers of attacks against members of the 2SLGBTIQ+ community.

We also honor the bravery shown by human rights defenders, advocates, activists, reporters and journalists, civil society groups, and businesses, including those representing the 2SLGBTIQ+ community, who tirelessly strive to promote awareness about the challenges faced by 2SLGBTIQ+ individuals.

We will continue to be loud and proud during the 2023 Capital Pride Festival and in our ongoing commitment to foster an inclusive environment within and beyond the Ottawa diplomatic community Together, we unite in celebrating the vibrant diversity and unwavering resilience of the 2SLGBTIQ+ community, while advocating for human rights, inclusivity, and fair treatment for all.