Solidarity in our Pride: Unions Welcome 2025 Pride Season in Celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ Workers and Communities

From coast to coast, unions are joining in the festivities to celebrate the 2025 Pride season.

“2SLGBTQI+ workers make enormous contributions to our workplaces, unions and communities,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Today, and every day, Canada’s unions show our pride by celebrating and fiercely defending the vibrant diversity within our movement.”

We know from research that a 2SLGBTQI-inclusive workforce builds a strong economy. However, the opposite is also true – the discrimination and exclusion that many 2SLGBTQI+ workers face at work and in society have negative impacts on a country’s economic development and prosperity. 

Unfortunately, today’s affordability crisis impacts 2SLGBTQI+ people disproportionately. In 2023:

• 40.7% of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals found it difficult or very difficult to meet financial needs, compared to 32.7% of non-2SLGBTQI+ individuals;
• Racialized 2SLGBTQI+ community members experience even greater income disparities relative to their white counterparts; and
• 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are twice as likely to experience homelessness compared to their heterosexual, cisgender counterparts, while queer women are 4 four times as likely. 

“A strong Canadian economy is one where everyone can thrive, no matter their background, race, religion, or identity. That’s why building a 2SLGBTQI+-inclusive society benefits us all,” adds Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice President of the CLC. “Canada’s unions will continue to lead the charge when it comes to building more inclusive workplaces and defending hard-won gains for 2SLGBTQI+ rights at work and in our communities.”

This Pride season, join Canada’s unions and show your solidarity to celebrate and defend 2SLGBTQI+ rights both at work and in our communities.