
May 17 is observed as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia around the globe. This event is conducted annually to raise awareness about LGBTQ issues. Sharing information about some of the challenges encountered by the community is beneficial. In many countries around the world, these orientations are criminalised. They are prohibited from engaging in romantic relationships and cannot legally marry. The community is filled with prejudice and discrimination. They also encounter hostility, which can occasionally lead to violence. The holiday helps reduce the stigma associated with these orientations.
The background of International Day Against Homophobia Transphobia and Biphobia
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is an annual L.G.B.T.Q. awareness day observed on May 17. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBQ) individuals encounter a number of issues that the holiday brings to light. They have been denied legal protections and essential health services for many years. In addition, they have sometimes been forced to undergo medical treatment or unnecessary surgery. They lack fundamental civil and human liberties.
Louis-Georges Tin established the holiday officially in 2004. The first event was conducted on May 17, 2005, and approximately 24,000 people attended. The 17th of May was chosen to commemorate the 1990 decision by the World Health Organisation to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Together with LGBT organisations, a petition was initiated in 2009 to add “transphobia” to the campaign’s name. The petition was endorsed by more than 300 non-governmental organisations from 75 countries. It was also supported by Elfriede Jelinek, Francois Barré-Sinoussi, and Luc Montagnier, who are all Nobel Prize recipients. In 2009, France was the first country in the world to officially remove transgender issues from its list of psychiatric illnesses.
Tin, the creator of the holiday, served as the event’s committee head until September 2013, when he resigned. Tamara Adrián, a renowned trans rights activist, attorney, and law professor from Venezuela, succeeded him upon his retirement. In 2015, Adrián became one of Latin America’s first transgender legislators. Biphobia was introduced to the holiday campaign’s name in 2015.
Peace Officers Memorial Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Peace Officers
Supply Chain Professionals Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
5 essential facts about the LGBTQ community
Between 52 and 87 percent of lesbian, homosexual, and bisexual individuals have experienced verbal harassment at least once.
13% to 38% of LGBQ individuals have been pursued or followed.
More than 24% of the population has experienced physical assault.
The majority of LGBQ individuals are comfortable with their biological sex and do not identify as members of the opposite sex.
Homosexuality is not a mental disorder, so it cannot be treated with psychotherapy.
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA TRANSPHOBIA AND BIPHOBIA DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | May 17 | Wednesday |
2024 | May 17 | Friday |
2025 | May 17 | Saturday |
2026 | May 17 | Sunday |
2027 | May 17 | Monday |