What you need to know about the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, & Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)
Today, May 17, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
Keep up with the latest in + news and politics.
IDAHOBIT is a decentralized observance, with organizations and individuals everywhere free to hold whatever kind of event they choose. It is managed by a coalition of activist groups, some regional and some organized around a certain issue.Numerous governments and other institutions have recognized the day, including the European Parliament and most United Nations agencies. Former President Joe Biden recognized it several times.
Related: These are the top 10 European countries for LGBTQ+ rights and travelRelated: What states are the most dangerous for LGBTQ+ people? Here are the worst 15
The day was first observed in 2004 "to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics," according to the IDAHOBIT website. It is now celebrated in countries around the world, both where queer rights flourish and even in places that are lacking protections for LGBTQ+ people.
May 17 was chosen because that was the date in 1990 when the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.
This year's theme is 'The power of communities.'
''The power of communities' reflects the diversity and richness within LGBTQIA+ communities, from the grassroots to the global, celebrating our varied and intersecting backgrounds, identities, and experiences. The theme for 2025 highlights the strength and resilience that emerges from our collective solidarity, recognising the contributions of human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ civil society groups, allies, and millions of people in our communities who support human rights and collective liberation," organizers state on the website.
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Scientific American
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- Scientific American
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