International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia
IDAHOBIT stands for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia and is held on the 17 May, each year around the world in over 130 countries! But what does all this mean?
Minority sexuality and gender identities, and people who are intersex, can face negative attitudes, stereotypes and prejudices that lead to discrimination, exclusion, harassment and violence.
Homophobia describes prejudice, discrimination or hatred towards homosexuality and people who are same-sex/gender attracted, and those in same-sex/gender sexual and romatnic relationships (gay and lesbian)
Biphobia describes prejudice, discrimination or hatred towards people who are attracted to and have sexual and romantic relationships with others of both/all genders (bisexual, this also includes other labels and identities such as pansexual, omnisexual and polysexual that are similar to bisexuality)
Interphobia describes prejudice, discrimination or hatred towards people who are intersex (this includes people with variations in sex characteristics and differences in sexual development who may not use the term ‘intersex’ to describe themself)
Transphobia describes prejudice, discrimination or hatred towards people who are transgender or gender diverse (including those who are non-binary, binary).
These attitudes are often the basis for unfair treatment, harassment, abuse and violence towards LGBTQI+ people and on this day people across the world stand up against this hate.
IDAHOBIT is a day to celebrate and appreciate our diverse community and to stand up for equality for all members of society. The day is about raising awareness, championing inclusion in our schools and workplaces and for celebrating the LGBTQI+ community. IDAHOBIT is an international day for LGBTQI+ human rights and positive social change.
IDAHOBIT DAY MESSAGES
We were thrilled to see all the amazing videos of support and encouragement posted for the 2020 IDAHOBIT online event hosted by Safe and Inclusive Schools Initiative ACT.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
Visit ACT SAIS some activities and resources for teachers and educators you may wish to incorporate into your lessons.
IDAHOBIT BACKGROUND
IDAHOBIT is held on the 17May, each year around the world in over 130 countries! May 17 was chosen as the date for IDAHOBIT as it marks the day 30 years ago in 1990 when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) at the 43rd World Health Assembly. This was an important date for LGBTQI+ human rights across the world. This meant that being gay or lesbian was no longer considered a medical condition or a diagnosis and that homosexuality was recognised as a normal, natural, and healthy part of human diversity. This, alongside the work of LGBTQI+ activists, human rights specialists and other trailblazers have contributed to great social change and acceptance of LGBTQI+ globally.
While there is still a lot of work to be done, IDAHOBIT gives each of us an opportunity to acknowledge the progress and changes that have been made and to raise awareness of human rights issues that affect LGBTQI+ people around the world.
IDAHOBIT HISTORY
To commemorate this moment in history in 2004 the concept of IDAHOBIT was put forward and after a year of work, the first IDAHOBIT celebration was held in 2005.
IDAHOBIT initially began as IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia) in 2005. It wasn’t until later, in 2009 that ‘transphobia’ was added to the name with the day becoming known as “IDAHOT”. Around 2015-2016 two more letters were added for ‘biphobia’ and ‘interphobia’ to create the now-familiar acronym “IDAHOBIT” that we use today.
WHY IS IDAHOBIT IMPORTANT
IDAHOBIT is an important and popular occasion as there are still many, many examples of discrimination, inequality and violence faced by LGBTQI+ people across the world. Today, there are still 81 countries where it is illegal to be homosexual. Around 37 of the countries that celebrate IDAHOBIT still have laws which criminalise homosexuality, making IDAHOBIT celebrations very brave in these countries. IDAHOBIT has always been about bravery and standing up for the rights of LGBTQI+ people. IDAHOBIT showcases harmful attitudes and practices that occur towards LGBTQI+ people, creating awareness and pressure to bring about positive social change. Celebrating this day unites LGBTQI+ people around the world in strength while allowing us to reflect on our own histories. Celebrating who we are and what makes us incredible enables and empowers LGBTQI+ people to create a better future for everyone.
HOW CAN I CELEBRATE IDAHOBIT?
There are plenty of ways in which you can celebrate and participate in IDAHOBIT at home, school or at work. For some great tips visit the IDAHOBIT website.
Some ideas for IDAHOBIT while social distancing includes:
- Contribute your message to SAIS Initiative IDAHOBIT messages project
- Watch and share the SAIS Initiative video to celebrate IDAHOBIT online with your friends and community
- Donating to an LGBTQI+ charity or human rights group
- Making a post on social media with #IDAHOBIT
- Watch an LGBTQI+ movie/documentary with your friends on video chat
- Listen to a talk by an LGBTQI+ speaker online
- Make some art (you could have an online art session with your friends)
- Do a virtual rainbow party with rainbow foods/cake
- Read up on LGBTQI+ history around the world
- Wearing Rainbow pins/accessories
YOUTUBE RESOURCES
- Affirmation Chatterbox
- Homophobia and Transphobia Hurts Everyone
- UN LGBTQI discrimination
- UN Human rights anti-homophobia message
GENERAL COMMUNITY MESSAGES