Clarington mayor issues statement for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

On May 17, 2025, Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster issued a statement on the Municipality of Clarington website marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. He expressed support for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and called for discrimination, harassment and hate to be challenged.

Foster said some residents in Clarington face discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. He said the municipality promotes safe spaces and opportunities for greater understanding.

“In Clarington, we stand with our 2SLGBTQIA+ friends, family, and neighbours in their fight for equality and respect. We're committed to being a community where everyone can live authentically,” Foster said.

“We know too many of our residents still face discrimination, harassment and hate directed at their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. In this day and age, that is utterly unacceptable and must be challenged head-on,” he said.

“As a Municipality, we champion a just society, promote safe spaces, and create chances for greater understanding and awareness. We work with persistent optimism that homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic attitudes and behaviours can change, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone,” Foster said.

The statement appeared on the municipality’s news page and was datelined Clarington, Ontario. It carried the headline, “Clarington stands with 2SLGBTQIA+ residents in their fight for equality.”

The notice introduces the remarks by noting the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia before presenting Foster’s statement.