Marking International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
We’ll be flying the Progress Pride flags from Hove Town Hall and Brighton Town Hall this weekend to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Sunday 17 May.
Observed annually, IDAHOBIT commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organisation to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
First celebrated in 2005 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 has grown into a global community moment.
IDAHOBIT is now celebrated in 155 countries by individuals, organisations, and governments with initiatives, events, and campaigns in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ people, demanding action to ensure they can exercise their rights.
At the heart of democracy
The IDAHOBIT theme this year is ‘At the heart of democracy,’ reminding all that truly democratic societies must be grounded in justice and freedom for all.
The campaign brings attention to the fact that:
- 65 UN member states still criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts
- At least 62 restrict freedom of expression on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics issues
- Legal gender recognition based on self-determination is only available in 18 countries at the national level
- Only 9 UN member States restrict unnecessary medical interventions on intersex minors at the national level
And yet, time and again, LGBTQ+ people have resisted the pressures of these authoritarian policies and exclusionary legislations sowed the seeds of change to prepare the ground for a better future for everyone.
Marking IDAHOBIT with music and noise
Sunday 17 May, 1.30pm, Brighton Unitarian Church, New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UF
Join Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ communities and allies outside Brighton Unitarian Church for a powerful moment of reflection, solidarity, and visibility as we stand together against all forms of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination – here and around the world. All welcome.
The event will feature performances from Brighton Gay men’s Chorus, Drum & Blazes and Rainbow Chorus; speakers from our local community, and a chance to connect and raise awareness.
Bring friends, flags, placards and something to make noise.
After the event, everyone is welcome to join Lunch Positive at The Ledward Centre, Jubilee Street for a ‘pay as you can’ community lunch. Doors open at 2.30pm, with the lunch starting at 3pm.
Wonderfully diverse city
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We are proud to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton & Hove and around the world on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
“At a time where we’re seeing an increase in hate crime locally, nationally and globally, this year’s theme reminds us that true democratic societies are built on equality, justice and respect for all, and that rights and voices of LGBTQ+ residents are fundamental to those values.
“Brighton & Hove has a long and vibrant LGBTQ+ history and today remains a city where a thriving LGBTQ+ community sits at the heart of our diversity and identity.
“However, LGBTQ+ people around the world and here at home continue to face discrimination, hate and violence. We must come together to challenge division, uphold our democratic values, and do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
“I invite everyone to join our LGBTQ+ community and allies at the public vigil on Sunday, to show their support and exclaim, loud and proud, that everyone in Brighton & Hove, across the UK, and around the world needs to be able to live authentically with dignity, safety and respect.”