The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, And Biphobia (IDAHOTB) – May 17

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is celebrated on May 17 to highlight the violence and discrimination against the LGBT community, intersex people, and people with diverse sexual orientations. The date May 17 has explicitly been picked as the Day for highlighting the plight of the LGBT community because, on this Day, W.H.O. declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia-Changing Perspectives

People with diverse sexual orientations have always faced harassment and abuse, and even today, more than 37 countries have classified homosexuality as a punishable offense. The International Day against Homophobia is organized to draw the attention of the leaders, media, and civil society to the alarming situation of the LGBT community, which is facing increasingly violent attacks and discrimination in the league.

May 17 is now celebrated to remove myths, bias, and discrimination against the LGBT community in more than 130 countries. This includes those 37 countries where same-sex acts are a criminal offense.

Numerous states and nations have given recognition to The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. In addition, the European Parliament and multiple United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia-Ongoing Struggle

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is not a centralized campaign but a plan to respect different perspectives and orientations. Each year a new name is added to the growing list of terms, and acronyms vary. For example, Lesbophobia or Intersexphobia are considered a distinct focus.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) has been organized for 16 years. It has come a long way in changing society’s attitude towards the LGBT community. However, the work is still not over, and the struggle will continue till all are treated as equals. IDAHOTB theme this year is “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!”

The U.N.O. Charter spells out that everyone is entitled to human rights and fundamental freedom. This also includes the LGBT community, and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) is one.