International Day against Homophobia

International Day against Homophobia

Introduction

Unfortunately, homophobia, transphobia and biphobia is still common internationally, alongside many other LGBTQ+ identities under attack on a regular basis around the world.

Although there has been great efforts from those within the LGBTQ+ community, together with many allies, LGBTQ+ people still face violence and discrimination on a daily basis with millions around the world unable to live their lives comfortably.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) looks at highlighting these issues on an international scale to gather a global commitment towards creating a more inclusive, loving and equal society.

What is International Day Against Homophobia? IDAHOBIT

What is International Day Against Homophobia?

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is a key LGBTQ+ awareness day that aims to coordinate international events which raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations whilst stimulating worldwide interest in LGBTQ+ rights on an international level. 

The core focus of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is to raise awareness of the violence, discrimination and repression of LGBTQ+ communities across the globe. This focus provides an international opportunity to take action whilst engaging in dialogue with media, policymakers and public opinion, alongside the wider general public. 

The awareness day is mostly observed throughout Europe and Latin America where it is commemorated with public events in almost every one of these countries. Although the day is also marked in multiple countries in all world regions. 

When is International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHOBIT)?

When is International Day Against Homophobia?

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) is observed annually on the 17th of May with the first date being observed on Tuesday 17th May 2005.

What Does IDAHOTB Mean?

Sometimes shortened further to IDAH, IDAHOTB is the complete and most inclusive abbreviation of the awareness day International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

History of International Day Against LGBTQ+ Discrimination

History of IDAHOTB

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created back in 2004 with a core focus on drawing attention to the violence and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people alongside all other people with diverse sexual orientations or gender identities. 

IDAHOTB gathered worldwide support with 24,000 individuals alongside organisations around the world including the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) signing an appeal to support the initiative. 

The first date as chosen as the 17th of May 2005 with the 17th being chosen specifically to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. 

What is homophobia?

What is Homophobia?

Homophobia is the negative attitude and feelings towards homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). Although with other terms now recognized, homophobia is the umbrella term for other negative views towards specific LGBTQ+ identities and sexual preferences. 

What is Biphobia?

Biphobia is aversion towards those who identify as bisexual either as a whole or an individual. It is a form of homophobia against either somebody who identifies as bisexual or the bisexual community in general. Taking many forms, most commonly Biphobia is the denial that bisexuality is genuine or being negative towards bisexuality. 

What is Transphobia?

Transphobia encompasses a range of negative attitude, feelings or actions towards transgenderism, the transgender community or transgender individuals. Transphobia is a form of homophobia and can also relate to the fear, aversion, hatred or violence towards transgenderism. 

What is Lesbophobia?

Lesbophobia is a form of homophobia which focuses on the negative attitude, hatred or discrimination towards those who identify as lesbian. Lesbophobia can take various forms of prejudice and negativity towards lesbians as individuals, couples, social groups or the community as a whole. 

What is Aphobia?

Also know as Acephobia, Aphobia is the discrimination against asexual people which can include a range of negative attitudes, behaviours, and feelings towards asexuality in general or those who identify as part of the asexual spectrum.

Requirement of IDAHOBIT

Why is IDAHOTB Required?

Unfortunately as of 2019, 69 countries around the world still criminalize same-sex relationships meaning millions of LGBTQ+ people are unable to live openly with 26 countries punishing transgender individuals with a much higher risk of violence across the globe. 

IDAHOTB is commonly used as a platform to create initiatives around the world to continue fighting for LGBTQ+ rights especially in countries such as Uganda where homosexuality is criminalised.

Further awareness to LGBTQ+ rights violations, issues and violence is much needed on an international scale to work towards creating a more accepting world where everybody can live their lives however they identify or their sexual preferences, without discrimination or hate.

What to do for IDAHOBIT

What can I do for IDAHOBIT?

The core focus of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is to raise awareness to the issues still faced within the LGBTQ+ community around the world. Spreading the message of IDAHOTB in any way you can is an amazing way to share your solidarity. 

Social media is a great way to share the message of IDAHOTB and there are some great resources online from idahobit and May17 plus we’ll be sharing posts throughout the day which you can definitely share! 

Inclusive LGBT Pride Clothing & Accessories

Inclusive LGBTQ+ pride Products

Here at Joshua Lloyd, our core ethos is to provide inclusive, gender-neutral clothing alongside one of the largest most catered for LGBTQ+ accessories and pride merchandise collection available. In addition to our safe space communities across all social media platforms, we’re working hard alongside our charity partners and organisations to fight for equality on every level. 

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