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Our Founder, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, is celebrating his 70th birthday on June 2, 2020. We are grateful for all of Rev. Dr. Hawkes’ work in the field of human rights over so many years, so please join us in celebrating this auspicious occasion!
The snow falls gently outside my window as I write. Winter came earlier than usual this year, and along with it, fond memories of my favourite time of year, the Christmas season.
Brent attended a panel discussion at the 519 “Dreaming the (Im)possible: Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in Taiwan”. Jennifer Lu, one of the leaders of successful campaign for marriage equality in Taiwan was present (Taiwan became the first Asian country to recognize same sex weddings). The panel provided great perspective on the LGBTI situation in Asian countries. That evening, Brent joined City Councillor Kristyn Wong Tam , MPP Jill Andrews, and other members of the Dignity Network at a dinner honoring Jennifer. Jennifer was very interested in what RFF is doing.
Dignity Network (DN) is a network of 48 organizations across Canada that are involved in international LGBTI work. Doug Kerr is the Founder. Because of the work we'll be doing confronting religious based homophobia around the world, Rainbow Faith and Freedom (RFF) is involved with this organization. On November 6 & 7, 2019, the Steering Committee met in person for the first time to review our past work and plan for the year ahead, and in particular to further develop the structure of the organization.
On Thursday, September 12th RFF hosted our first Team Appreciation Event. Some of our core accomplishments were noted, as well as our next steps moving forward.
On behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Brent was invited to and attended an LGBTQ government funding announcement re event at the Daniels Spectrum Centre in Toronto.
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes attended the Ministerial on Religious Freedom and other related side events in Washington, DC from July 15-19, 2019.
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes appeared as a panelist in an event that was part of the 41st Human Rights Council session at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on July 2, 2019.
In August of 2016, the Dutch National Police held the 1st World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professional. The conference was well attended by members of police organizations, public prosecution services and departments of justice from 26 countries and six continents. 250 international criminal justice professionals came together to be inspired on how to proactively contribute to the betterment of human rights for LGBTQ citizens in their respective countries and organizations.
This year, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes gave a keynote address at the 2nd World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. Click here to listen!
The Royal Canadian Mint releases a coin celebrating decriminalization of homosexuality in 1969 and celebration of LGBTQ2S rights.
See Rev. Brent Hawkes in a documentary about LGBTI-police relations in Toronto in the 1970s and 1980s.
First Baptist Church in Guelph is going through a process to become affirming. Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes was invited to speak to the congregation about his journey.
Religions can often be interpreted in many ways, and none is a monolith. Many religious people have found interpretations that are inclusive of sexual minorities. But the battle between inclusive and exclusive continues in what is now the final frontier in gay rights.
The Equitas Human Rights Annual Cocktail & Conversation featured Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues.
This one-day symposium, which took place right after the Parliament of the World's Religions, brought together leading organizations and individuals involved in 2SLGBTIQ human rights issues around the world.
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes discusses the Parliament of World’s Religions meeting in Toronto in November, 2018 and including LGBTI programming for the first time. A Rainbow Lounge was opened, and there was even a same-sex, interfaith engagement ceremony!
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes speaks at a panel about the changing face of Christianity around the world, held at the Office of Inclusion and Religious Freedom at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa.
Justin from Queer From the Couch talks to Rev Dr Brent Hawkes on international LGBTQ human rights, confronting and diminishing religious based homophobia and Rainbow Faith and Freedom.
Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes attends historic apology ceremony in Ottawa as Govt of Canada apologizes for past treatment of LGBTQ2 people.