Marking International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

We’ll be flying the inclusive Pride flags from Hove Town Hall and Brighton Town Hall on Saturday 17 May to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). 

IDAHOBIT launched in 2004 to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced globally by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people and those with diverse sexual orientations or gender identities. 

The day brings together individuals, organisations, and governments from around the world to celebrate diversity, unity and solidarity while fostering collective action, awareness and visibility and challenging misinformation and bigotry.

IDAHOBIT is now celebrated in 155 countries on 17 May every year to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. 

The power of communities

The theme for IDAHOBIT 2025 is ‘the power of communities’, highlighting the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and the strength and resilience of our collective solidarity. 

‘The power of communities’ also recognises the important contributions of human rights defenders, civil society groups, allies, and millions of LGBTQ+ community members who support human rights and collective liberation.

Marking IDAHOBIT with music and noise 

Saturday 17 May from 12 noon to 1pm, Brighton Unitarian Church, New Rd, Brighton, BN1 1UF

Join Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ communities and allies outside Brighton Unitarian Church to mark IDAHOBIT for this free public vigil. 

The event will feature speakers including Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex (TNBI) and intersectional activists from The Queery and other local charities and LGBTQ+ support groups, alongside music from Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Rainbow Chorus and Drum and Blaze Samba Collective.

Wonderfully diverse city

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of the Council, said: “We’re proud to be standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton & Hove and around the world on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. 

“Brighton & Hove has a long and vibrant LGBTQ+ history dating back to the 19th century and a thriving LGBTQ+ community that is at the heart of our wonderfully diverse city.

“However, LGBTQ+ people around the world and here at home continue to face discrimination, hate and violence. We must come together to reject and challenge such division and do everything we can to protect vulnerable members of our communities. 

“I know the recent Supreme Court gender ruling has caused anxiety and uncertainty for our trans, intersex and non-binary residents about their ability to access services and safely express themselves. 

“LGBTQ+ people in Brighton & Hove, the UK and around the world must be able to live authentically with dignity, safety and respect.”

Reporting hate crime and anti-social behaviour

Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe. We encourage anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour (ASB) or hate incidents, harassment or distress due to their identity, to report it.

You can report hate incidents or ASB to Sussex Police on 101 if it’s not an emergency. In an emergency, always call 999.

Council tenants, council leaseholders and tenants of leaseholders who've experienced hate incidents or ASB should report it to Housing Customer Services. Housing association tenants need to report incidents to their landlord.

Private rented sector tenants and owner occupiers can report hate incidents and ASB to the Community Safety Team using our online anti-social behaviour and hate incident reporting form or by contacting our Community Safety team by emailing communitysafety.casework@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 292735.

Local organisations and resources

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