May 17, Worldwide
The purpose of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression worldwide. It is held on each year on May 17.
IDAHO – International Day Against Homophobia was conceived in 2004. In 2009, Transphobia was added to the campaign and finally Biphobia was added in 2015.
The Day represents an annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is not one centralized campaign; rather it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action.
The date of May 17 th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has received official recognition from several States, international institutions as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.
Canadian organization Foundation Emergence held a National Day Against Homophobia in 2003, and it was held on June 1 st until 2006, when it was was changed to May 17 in order to join the international movement.
Consultation with advocates from around the world identifies “Families” as a focus issues for IDAHOT 2017
This focus includes both
– The role of families in the well-being of their LGBTIQ members
– The respect of the rights of LGBTIQ families (rainbow families)
We also of course want to use this focus issue to counter the reclaiming of family values by conservatives.
We hope that this focus issue on families will
– Strengthen the visibility and voice of LGBTIQ parents
– Strengthen the visibility and voice of Rainbow families and lead to advances in recognition and rights
– Strengthen the visibility and voice of children of LGBTIQ parents, and possibly strengthen the structuring of their nascent movement
– Reclaim “family values” in a progressive understanding
– Facilitate alliances with progressive family organizations
Read more here (dayagainsthomophobia.org)
Visit International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on FACEBOOK here.
State-Sponsored Homophobia report 2017: ILGA.org
