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The National Pink Triangle Committee (NPTC) is a dynamic group of activists from across the country and from various workplaces. One goal of the NPTC members is to work toward an inclusive society wherein gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons are treated as the equals we are. In working toward this goal, committee members are working for CUPE members rights and acceptance in the workplace.

In conjunction with CUPEs Union Development Department, the Pink Triangle Committee produced the “Pride in CUPE” workshop which deals with homophobia and heterosexism.

The Committee has also developed bargaining information fact sheets dealing with lesbian and gay issues, a homophobia fact sheet, and an HIV/AIDS information kit.

The Committee supports Pride activities across the country through advertisements and posters, helping with the organizing of events, and ensuring CUPE participation at Pride celebrations.

Committee members work with other equality committees, labour bodies, and community activists to help create pink triangle committees at the local, divisional, and regional levels, to provide information on changes to legislation that impact the rights of gays and lesbians, to facilitate and encourage the use of the “Pride in CUPE” workshop in CUPE educational schools, and to promote Pride celebrations throughout the country.

The NPTC was established in 1991 as the result of a unanimous resolution passed at the 29th CUPE National Convention. Since its formation, the NPTC has grown to include representation from every province and service division within CUPE.

The Committee takes its name from the pink triangle symbol worn by those targeted as homosexuals in the Nazi concentration camps of the Second World War. It has since been reclaimed by the lesbian and gay community as a symbol of struggle and survival. Within the labour movement, the pink triangle has also become known as a sign of activism and solidarity.

For information on the National Pink Triangle Committee, or to contact a member in your province or service division, visit our website at pride@cupe.cahref-mailto:>

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