Be United in Diversity #IDAHOBIT 2023
The 17th of May marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). IDAHOBIT, also known as the International Day Against Homophobia (as it was called formerly) or the 17th May, is a day celebrated internationally to raise awareness of LGBTQ rights and inspire people to take more action to support them. According to IDAHOBIT website, IDAHOBIT is currently celebrated in over 130 countries, including 37 countries where same-sex acts are forbidden and thousands of actions, both big and small, are being observed over the world.
IDAHOBIT was created in 2004 with the aim of drawing attention to the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community but also those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. The 17th of May was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases where it was classified as a mental disorder. The initiative is managed collectively with networks collaborating together from a local to global scale to advance the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
The theme for every IDAHOBIT is chosen after much consideration and consultation within LGBTQ+ organisations around the world. The theme for IDAHOBIT 2023 is "Together always: united in diversity”. Reports show that LGBTQ+ communities are facing increasing violence and their progress is becoming at risk. In the UK alone, the number of transgender hate crimes increased from 2,799 in 2020/21 to 4,355 in 2021/22, whilst the number of sexual orientation hate crimes in the UK increased from 18,596 in 2020/21 to 26,152 in 2021/22. It is therefore crucial to recognise and celebrate the power of solidarity and allyship, and demonstrate how we can bring about change if we unite. This theme encourages advocacy and brings people together in many forms, whether you are a member of a human rights organisation, an LGBTQ+ network or someone looking to become an ally and raise awareness.
Since the start of IDAHOBIT celebrations, great progress has been seen around the world. For example, on the eve of May 17th 2009, France became the first country in the world to officially abolish the classification of transgender issues as mental illnesses. On IDAHOBIT 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, passing The Enforcement Act of Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 748.
Celebrations are being and will be held around the world in the form of conferences, ceremonies, walks, events and street actions. In Japan, there was a street action in Nagoya on 13 May 2023 in the run-up to IDAHOBIT. Participants are said to have been carrying placards with words such as “It doesn’t matter who you like!” and appealing to people on the street to stop the persecution and prejudice of LGBTQ+ community.
A male participant said, “Same-sex marriage is still not recognised in Japan. There is a court case on same-sex marriage at the Nagoya District Court, which will be judged on Tuesday 30 May at 2pm.”
In the UK, a public rally will be held in Sheffield culminating in a ‘1 minute noise’. For over 10 years, the rally has adopted the idea of noise as opposed to silence in their celebrations and for all those unable to speak out. Various public speakers and LGBTQ+ organisations will be there to take part. In London, Teamspirit and Harvard (communications agencies, part of VCCP Business) will be walking to work to raise money for Mind Out on IDAHOBIT. These are only a sample of the efforts and celebrations around the world.
IDAHOBIT is a reminder that whilst LGBTQ+ representation is increasing, and more individuals feel safe and comfortable to be seen as their true self, hate crimes are also increasing and there are still many hurdles that LGBTQ+ individuals face on a daily basis. So let’s be united in diversity this IDAHOBIT.
