International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Observed every year, as a global moment for collective action, awareness, solidarity, and visibility for LGBT+ rights and campaigning for a prejudice-free world. Founded in 2004 by French academic Louis-Georges Tin, this day was chosen to honour May 17, 1990, the date the World Health Organization made the landmark decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. 

It is a day to recognize hard-earned progress, while also addressing the pursuit of equality..Every year, policy makers, opinion leaders, the media and the general public are challenged to address the urgent need to combat violence and discrimination against LGBTI persons and to build inclusive societies, enriched through their diversity. 

IDAHOBIT is now celebrated celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex is illegal. The UK’s Prime Minister  Keir Sarmer is ignoring it and instead tweeting like Donald Trump, (the most anti-LGBTQ+ president in American history) about immigrants. He’s paving the road for fascists to walk into Downing Street and take over.

65 countries still criminalise LGBTs, 12 have death penalty, 30 are Commonwealth nations  The fight continues until all LGBTs everywhere are free and equal

This year’s theme - “The power of communities” - reflecting the diversity  and richness within LGBTQIA+ communities and celebrating the range of backgrounds, identities, and  experiences they encompass  and is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from coming together. 

It speaks to the resilience, courage, and care that define LGBTQIA+ communities at every level, from grassroots groups to global advocates. Let us honour the power of communities by listening, learning, and standing up for the right of every person to live and love with dignity, safety, and respect 

Too many LGBTQIA+ people continue to face violence, stigma, and discrimination. Across regions, regressive policies, targeted attacks,anti-rights and so-called “anti-gender” rhetoric is on the rise: criminalisation of identities, bans on gender transition, attacks on inclusive education or parental rights. are on the rise:

As a result the day is more important than ever with a resurgence in homphobic and transphobic laws being passed and transphobic news stories gaining mainstream attention.

In the UK, a recent Supreme Court judgment on the legal definition of sex, raises serious concerns for the rights of trans women, in work, education and healthcare. 

In Hungary, the parliament has passed a law banning Pride events and other gatherings that promote LGBTQI+ rights. In Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda conservative alliances, financed by international conservative groups, are fuelling anti-LGBTQI+ and anti-abortion campaigns. These are political strategies of repression and control that threaten fundamental rights. 

In America  the Trump-Vance administration since it took office in January has issued a number of executive orders that have specifically targeted transgender and nonbinary people. They include a declaration that the federal government will recognize “only two genders, male and female” and a directive that bans the State Department from issuing passports with an “X” gender marker.

While the  administration’s decision to suspend most foreign aid has forced several LGBTQ rights groups and HIV/AIDS service organizations in South Africa, Kenya, and other African countries that received U.S. funding to curtail operations or shut down. 

In the face of these attacks, we have a duty to speak out, to defend hard-won rights, and to stand in solidarity with those who are targeted.especially in uncertain and challenging times. The day reminds us that there is still a long way to go until all LGBTQ+ people are free and safe from harm.

Discrimination and violence should never be allowed on any grounds, including sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.The world is full of different wonderful people. Some of these people are made to feel they are different or not normal. Together, we can help build a more inclusive world.Let's  celebrate our  diversity and never  ever take human rights for granted,  while continuing to fight for a world where everyone can live freely, safely, and with dignity, regardless of who they love or how they identify. .