IDAHOBIT, which stands for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, is an annual event taking place soon.
It was established in 2004 to fight discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people — and people with other diverse gender identities.
Many countries mark IDAHOBIT with various activities such as marches, rallies, workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and educational campaigns.
The day was initially called International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), but biphobia, interphobia, and transphobia were later added to form IDAHOBIT.
Here is everything you need to know about this year’s celebration, including its date and theme.
When is IDAHOBIT?
IDAHOBIT takes place on May 17 every year. This means the 2024 event takes place on Friday in the UK.
It commemorates the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation (WHO) declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal.
What is this year’s IDAHOBIT theme?
The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all.”
This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is a call for unity: only through solidarity for each other will we create a world without injustice, where no one is left behind.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ said: “On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I applaud the brave work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) human rights defenders fighting to outlaw discrimination and secure equality before the law. Yet there is a worrying surge in the opposite direction. New laws are codifying old bigotries, exploiting fears and stoking hate.”
IDAHOBIT tributes and messages of support
“Human rights are inherent to all human beings,” The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Dr Natalia Kanem said about this year’s event, “and these rights are guaranteed for every person, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.” Formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, the UNFPA is a UN agency aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide.
Last year’s IDAHOBIT theme was “Together always: united in diversity”. Several public figures and organisations expressed their support for the event online.
The UN posted this social media message: “On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and every day, join us to #Standup4HumanRights and promote an equal, just and inclusive for all. #IDAHOBIT”.
For more information on the 2024 event, visit the website here.
