Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be given an LGBTQ rights award for his work to makeg Canada a more accepting place.
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) will be presenting Trudeau with the Pinnacle Award for promoting causes that make LGBTQ travelers feel safe in Canada.
Juan Julia, chair of IGLTA, told Travel Daily News that he was “incredibly proud” to extend the award to Trudeau.
“He presides over a country with some of the world’s most advanced LGBTQ rights, but instead of resting on those credentials, he makes it a personal point to vocally support our community and keep moving our issues forward,” Julia said, adding, “there is no doubt that LGBTQ travelers are respected and embraced in Canada, and that welcoming message is amplified every day through his actions as Prime Minister.”
Trudeau has been a beneficial and consistent voice for the LGBTQ community in Canada. In November, he issued an apology to the country’s LGBTQ community for anyone “unfairly criminalized by unjust laws and actions,” calling out a now-abolished law against same-sex sexual activity and providing millions of dollars in reparations for those affected.
Trudeau also made history last year as the first Prime Minister to march in a pride parade, shaking hands with supporters, taking selfies, and otherwise enjoying the festivities of the parade.
In an interview with the UK’s Attitude magazine, Trudeau said that the LGBTQ community has set an example in fighting for human rights.
“The fact that so many people have gone for so long feeling that they had to be ashamed or hide about their core identity to fit into society is a lesson for everyone to push against,” he said.
Trudeau’s Pinnacle Award will be presented with the rest of the IGLTA awards on May 9-12 in Toronto.
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