FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2011

QMUNITY, BC’s Queer Resource Centre
1170 Bute Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6E 1Z6
T: 604-684-5307

MEDIA ADVISORY
Vancouver’s Queer QMUNITY Redefines Personal Relationships
on the International Day Against Homophobia

April 29, 2011 (Vancouver, B.C.) QMUNITY will host the 7th Annual IDAH (International Day Against Homophobia) Breakfast at the Floata Seafood Restaurant in Vancouver’s dynamic Chinatown on Tuesday, May 17th. This year, the spotlight is focused on Queer Relationships; what they are, who they are with and why they matter more than ever. When examining the modern and blended family of today and tomorrow, Queer Relationships are at the forefront.

Vancouver reports one of the highest rates of violent hate crimes involving assaults and threats, of almost any major Canadian city according to a Statistics Canada study released in 2010. The largest increase in hate crimes was those motivated by sexual orientation. QMUNITY’s Executive Director, Jennifer Breakspear, says, “Increasing awareness gives us the tools we need to fight ignorance and share truths; this year’s IDAH theme, Queer Relationships, is a great place to initiate dialogue. Homophobic violence is a serious issue in our city and education and awareness are the first steps to combating this evil”.

Representatives from government, leaders from our community and inspiring speakers will engage in dialogue, bring awareness and share insights on the non-traditional and diverse relationships within our Queer communities.

QMUNITY is BC’s leading queer resource centre and is a hub for the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community. Their team of skilled professionals deliver vital social services and programs to support community development and provide a host of resources that value, celebrate and transform the lives of queer people and communities.

[30]

For interviews, please contact:
Caryl Dolinko – Media Coordinator
Tel: 604-255-1185
email: media@qmunity.ca
web: www.qmunity.ca