International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Known as IDAHOBIT for short, this date was chosen as it commemorates the date of the decision to remove homosexuality from classification as a mental illness by the World Health Organisation in 1990. 

This milestone prompted various LGBTQ+ activists to advocate for a day dedicated to raising awareness about the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. 

Finally, in 2004, IDAHOTB was officially established and it was first celebrated in 2005 after a year-long campaign around the concept. 24,000 individuals as well as organisations such as the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) signed an appeal to support the ‘IDAHO initiative’. 

In the UK, the campaign was coordinated by the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA). Since its launch in 2004, it has grown into a globally recognised day of solidarity and activism. 

The significance of IDAHOTB lies in its mission to promote tolerance, acceptance, and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in terms of discrimination, violence, and inequality. 

Every year, thousands of initiatives are documented across the world. IDAHOBIT is currently marked in 155 countries and territories, including 35 where consensual same-sex acts are still criminalised. The day has received official recognition from several States, international institutions including the European Parliament, and countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the day with specific events.

72 countries have laws that criminalise same-sex relationships. Out of these countries, 11 of them use the death penalty and 9 have sentences of life imprisonment.These statistics alone show why campaigns such as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) are needed. Because one person being imprisoned because of their sexuality or gender is one too many.

Though unfortunately, despite some landmark changes occurring since then, Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is still a rampant global issue and, although some countries may seem like the idyllic safe haven for LGBT+ people, beneath the surface there are still frequent examples of discrimination, repression and violence towards the LGBT+ community within these countries. 

LGBTQI+ workers frequently experience violence, bullying and harassment, discrimination and exclusion because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.As the authoritarian extreme right continue to gain traction in many countries; racism, xenophobia and discrimination targeting LGBTQI+ people, women, migrants and racialised people is on the rise.

 IDAHOBIT, observed on May 17th, is key in this global cause as the main purpose for its creation was to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBT communities worldwide. 

The hopes were that this would then provide an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue with the media, policymakers, public opinion, and wider civil society. 

The day serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia in all forms, whether it’s institutionalized discrimination, societal prejudices, or individual acts of hate. .

Research by Stonewall, the national LGBT charity found that one in five LGBT people have experienced a hate crime because of their sexual orientation in the past year and over half of trans people have been subjected to a hate crime due to their gender identity.  

Around a quarter of LGBT people avoid some streets due to safety concerns and 13 per cent have been discriminated against in a bar, restaurant or club venue.Trans people in particular still experience appalling levels of abuse on social media and are on the receiving end of misinformation and direct attacks from TV and print media.

We may have legal protections, rights and defence against discrimination, but these progressions only do so much, can only change public perception and action so far. Plus, the delay in banning Conversion Therapy and the lack of progression in Trans rights has really hindered any further progress. 

As the authoritarian extreme right continue to gain traction in many countries; racism, xenophobia and discrimination targeting LGBTQI+ people, women, migrants and racialised people is on the rise.

Queer and trans people are facing a frightening rise in hate and violence, fuelled by those who punch down on marginalized communities to divide and distract us. We must  always speak out clearly and unapologetically against this hate.Today, I honour the activists and community members who continue that work every single day. 

More needs to be done, within the UK, across Europe, and globally, and that work will not stop until no person is persecuted or discriminated against because of their sexuality or gender identity.

This year’s theme, ‘At the Heart of Democracy’, reminds us that a democracy which excludes LGBTIQ+ people from participation is incomplete and  that  a true  deomocracy must  be grounded  in  justice  and  democracy for  everyone.  .

Raising awareness of IDAHOTB is crucial in fostering a more inclusive and accepting society. International Day Against Homophoia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHBOIT) is an opportunity to drive positive change and to remember that there is still a way to go until all LGBTQ+ people are free and safe from harm. Everyone deserves to live safely, openly, and fully as themselves.

I will always side with anyone who has been “othered” whether that is down to gender, sexuality, skin colour, faith, age or disability. Today I want to share that I still believe in hope, in love and in humanity! 

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. .