LGBTQI+ networks, individuals and allies from around the world will be celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia again this year on Monday, May 17. The theme for this year's events, known also as "May 17th" and "IDAHOBIT" is "Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!"
Given the global health crisis and the rules and restrictions varying by region, this year's May 17th will be celebrated in a mix of in-person and online events. Additionally, a global social media movement has already begun with a flood of support from around the world. From activists, celebrities and commercial enterprises to local, regional and federal government support, the day is already proving to be a widely visible and celebrated movement in the fight against anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination. All those who are against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia are invited and encouraged to go online on Monday and post their support.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention 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. The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization's decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. The Day 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 alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
This year's theme"Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!"was chosen in the context of the events and struggles of the past year. The global pandemic is far from over and will have a long lasting impact on social activism and the fight for equal rights. In the midst of the chaos, heartbreak and ongoing challenges, it is with hope for global awareness of this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia that we can continue to provide inspiration. Together we resist homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, we continue to support one another, particularly our communities in parts of the world where the lives and safety of our community are continually at risk, and with each step forward we can and will collectively heal.
www.may17.org / www.twitter.com/may17org .
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia initiative is collectively managed in collaboration between regional and thematic networks working to advance the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. This collaboration brings together organizations and initiatives at global, regional, national and local levels. www.may17.org .