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Anniversary marked World Health Organization removing homosexuality from list of mental illnesses by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Halton celebrates Day Against Homophobia The theme of this year's celebration was `Fighting the Homophobia Web Virus,' which Percy said his of cers are doing by going into schools and speaking to young people about the terrible impact things like cyberbullying can have. The Positive Space Network of Halton is based out of ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids). Kirsten Dougherty, director of foundation operations with ROCK, said the organization is dedicated to making every space 3 | Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com inside today's EDITORIAL SPORTS Beaver www.insideHALTON.com LOCATION Reitman's, Rona FULL DELIVERY: PARTIAL DELIVERY: 6 17 ARTSCENE CLASSIFIED 15 20 Sport Chek, Sure Loc, Real Estate, Suggle Bugz, Atmosphere, National Sports, Staples/Business Depot, Home Depot, B&H Magazine MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Certified Financial Planner Peter Watson Peter Watson Investments 220 Randall Street, Downtown Oakville Free Parking For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com SAVE UP TO $ SAVE UP TO $ { { Check out this week's money saving deals from our team of experts. 38 ON YOUR NEXT GROCERY BILL! Just a few of our Featured Advertisers: { { Check out this week's money saving deals from our team of experts. 38 To reserve your seats email us at info@peterwatsoninvestments.com or call us at (905) 842-2100 Ext: 2 (24 hours) www.peterwatsoninvestments.com ON YOUR NEXT GROCERY BILL! Just a few of our Featured Advertisers: Just a few of our Featured Advertisers: your source for FREE coupons Sign up up forfor free e-Offers and scoop on the best flyer deals! Sign free e-Offers andget get the the inside inside scoop on the best flyer deals! @ @ { { Eleven years ago last Friday (May 17) the World Health Organization (WHO) of cially removed homosexuality from its list of mental health illnesses. That fact was celebrated at ceremonies across the globe Friday, including at the Halton Regional Centre as part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. "It is very important to recognize this day," said Marcus Logan of the Positive Space Network of Halton. "Your sexual orientation and your gender identity are not mental health illnesses." Halton Regional Police Deputy Chief Bob Percy attended the Halton ceremony and said while society has come a long way with regard to its attitude towards homosexuality, bisexuality and transexuality, there is still a long way to go. "Our homes, our workplaces, our schools, and our environment need to be places that are inclusive where everybody is valued for who they are and what they bring to society," he said. "This is a serious topic we should be talking about. We need to demonstrate our commitment that we, as a police service partner with all of our communities including the GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community, encourage and promote an understanding to make sure our positive space networks are aligned and in Halton an inclusive, safe and positive space. "It shouldn't be a scary thing to be who you are. You shouldn't be afraid to just express yourself and be happy," said Dougherty. "That's what we really want. Homophobia shouldn't be a part of our kids' world anymore." For more information about ROCK or to access ROCK services, visit www. rockonline.ca. Halton Regional Police Deputy Police Chief Bob Percy spoke on issues concerning homophobia to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia. photo by Hannah Yoon ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) THE PROBLEM WITH INVESTMENT FEES Thurs, May 30th 10:00am, 2:00pm, 7:00pm ON YOUR NEXT $ SAVE Fri, May 31st 10:00am,GROCERY 2:00pm BILL! UP TO 38 out new this week's saving deals from our team of experts. { Check flyersmoney from your favourite retailers now at { View SEMINAR DATES that we work towards the eradication of discrimination, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia." LOVE GREAT DEALS? Sat, June 1st 10:00am, 2:00pm