What Is International Day (May 17) Against Homophobia?

IDAHot’s main purpose is to raise awareness of violence, discrimination and repression of LGBT awareness worldwide.  Its purpose is to educate as it advocates for public policies. (In some countries, LGBT status is punishable by death.)

This year’s theme is LGBT youth who are often bullied in school and cyberbullied everywhere. LGBT youth are more prone to suicide, drug abuse, lower self-esteem than their heterosexual peers, according to The Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State.  Nearly 40% of homeless youth are LGBT.

History of IDHA HOT

The Day was conceived in 2004 and on May 17, 1990 became a reality when the World Health Organization no longer listed homosexuality as a diagnosis. 

France was the first country in the world to remove transgender issues from its list of mental illness in 2009.  Supported by seventy-five countries and three Nobel Prize winners, this commemoration was co-ordinated by Paris IDAHO.

Activities of IDAHO

There are grass-root actions in different countries for this memorable day.  Street marches, parades and festivals are particularly strong in Europe and Latin America for this event. The website International Day Against Homophobia features numerous ways to act and reports many past activities.

In 2014, IDAHOTB was marked in 130 countries, including 37 with anti-LGBT laws.  Nearly 1,300 organizations reported hosting a total of 1,600 events to mark the day. Over 70% of the world population live in countries that restrict LGBT rights.

Congressional Resolution Introduced by Barbara Lee

More than sixty congressional members introduced a congressional resolution in support of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.  Commented Lee, ” I hope this resolution (that outlines the specifice effects of anti-LGBT violence, homelessness and health disparities, especially related to mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS) is another step in the direction of equality and acceptance for all.”