May 17 is celebrated worldwide as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (sometimes shortened to IDAHO, but also as IDAHOBIT to include Intersex people, and sometimes with an extra focus on Lesbophobia added).
World Health Organisation decision
The date is chosen to honour the World Health Organization’s decision on that date in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Philip Normal, Mayor of the, London Borough of Lambeth, said: “It is so important that we mark IDAHOBIT in Lambeth and across the country. Lambeth is a welcoming place where people from all walks of life actively participate in community life. Lambeth is a place that accepts people from all walks of life, and i am proud to be the Mayor of this exciting diverse borough.
“Unfortunately, homophobia, biphobia, and prejudice towards trans people still exists, so let’s stand in solidarity in our communities here in this wonderful place, and send a message out to the world that in Lambeth, LGBTQ+ people are not ‘tolerated’ they are celebrated. “
Focus attention on campaigning
The Day – created in 2004 – now represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities, etc. to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Although every year features a “global focus issue” IDAHOBIT is not centralised but is a moment for everyone working to advance the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics to take action, on whatever issue and in whatever format that they wish.
More information
- For more about International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
- More on LGBT rights and support from Stonewall UK
