International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
Happy International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT for short)!
Brief History
In 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declassified homosexuality as a mental health disorder.
Since 2004, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (also known as IDAHOBIT for short) has been celebrated annually by people around the world.
The 17th of May has since been a day dedicated to recognising and raising awareness of the discrimination still faced by those who belong within the LGBTQIA+ community.
In addition, the day focuses on creating further visibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals within wider society and recognising the various achievements of those individuals who identify with, and belong to, the LGBTQIA+ community.
Though the day is celebrated in over 130 countries, 37of which still consider homosexuality a crime, the day itself is not a universally standardised one and can often take on varying points of focus depending on which organisation is creating an event or initiative for IDAHOBIT.
May17.org states that, though a central theme may be promoted each year, “it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action, on whatever issue and in whatever format that they wish”.
In 2022, the central theme for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia is “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights”.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), “all of us must play a role in standing up and speaking out against hate, discrimination, and violence -- wherever and whenever it occurs”.
Novia UAS has also published a document which specifies that “everyone at Novia should have the same rights and opportunities regardless of sexual orientation”.
"This means, among other things, that employees 'or students' sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression should not be questioned or forced into exclusion through a unilateral heteronormative perspective. The sexual identity should be seen as the person's private matter. Everyone has the right to tell or to refrain from telling about their privacy, including their sexual orientation or identity. Novia works to prevent prejudice and discrimination against persons belonging to a sexual minority or a gender minority." Novia University of Applied Sciences.
Read more about our commitment to equality and equal treatment in our Plan for Equality and Equal Treatment 2019-2021 document.
Further Information
To find out more about IDAHOBIT, or for LGBTQIA+ related support and information in general, you can visit the following resources: