International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHO) is observed on 17th May each year. The day aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. The concept started back in 2005, and by 2013, almost 120 countries participated.
The founders of IDAHO wanted to coordinate grass-roots actions to promote the day and lobby for official recognition of May 17 worldwide. The date was chosen to commemorate the removal of homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases compiled by the World Health Organisation back in 1990.
The main purpose of the day is to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBT communities worldwide, which in turn provides an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue with the media, policymakers, public opinion, and wider civil society.
IDAHO is particularly strong in Europe and Latin America, where almost all countries participate with public events. In 2013, 32 countries where same-sex relationships are criminalised acknowledged the day.
Despite the efforts of IDAHO worldwide, LGBT couples in many countries still do not have legal recognition in areas such as marriage, adoption, inheritance, and insurance rights. Some countries continue to criminalise homosexuality and persecute LGBT people, sometimes violently. LGBT people in these countries may be vulnerable to state violence or hate crimes. In July 2017, The Guardian newspaper stated there are 72 countries which continue to criminalize same-sex relationships and 8 countries where homosexuality can result in the death penalty.
Please like and share!
Comments