Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Canada Recognized for Leadership of LGBT Equality Rights at Philadelphia Gala

Canada will be recognized for its leadership in advancing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people at Equality Forum 2014 in Philadelphia, PA, May 1-4.

Canada has been selected as the Featured Nation of this year’s Forum, America’s largest LGBT equality rights event. The NHL and the Burke Family will receive the ‘International Role Model Award’ and TD Bank will receive the ‘International Business Leadership Award’ for their support of the community.

Darrell Schuurman, executive director of Travel Gay Canada, says, “Canada was selected because of our history fighting for equality rights, beginning in the 1960s to becoming the fourth country to nationally legalize same-sex marriage.” (Timeline infographic attached).

“From June 20-29, Toronto, Ontario will host the world’s largest Pride event, WorldPride 2014, and this shows the more than 2 million visitors from around the world that Canada as a progressive and inviting country to both do business with and to experience as a travel destination.”

Panelists include:

• Cynthia Petersen, LGBT Rights Lawyer

• Bob Gallagher, LGBT Rights Activist

• El-Farouk Khaki, LGBT Refugee & Immigration Lawyer, Human Rights Activist

• Helen Kennedy, LGBT Rights Activist, Executive Director of Egale Canada

• With Moderator, David Walberg, CEO of Digital Media for Pink Triangle Press