What is IDAHOBIT and why is it so vitally important?
On 17 May, people all over the world celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia. WORDS BY TOM KNIGHT ARTWORK BY ANISA CLEAVER Starting in 2005, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) was created to highlight the violence, discrimination and repression experienced by LGBTQ people all over the world.
It’s celebrated in over 130 countries, even in some of the places that still criminalise the LGBTQIA+ community. IDAHOBIT was designed to increase awareness and unite people against homophobia, biphobia, Intersexism and transphobia.
Its aim is to gain the attention of politicians, leaders, media and public, and have our voices and stories heard. Organisations around the world join forces with allies, activists and campaigners to spread the message of acceptance and stand in solidarity with victims of discrimination.
On days like today it’s immensely important to acknowledge how lucky we are to live in a more accepting society, but millions of people around the world aren’t so lucky.
