Today, we observe the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
IDAHOBIT was first created in 2004 with the aim to coordinate international events & organisations to protect individuals in those minority groups.
It was specifically put onto 17th May to promote the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases by WHO on that day in 1990.
By 2016, commemorations had taken place in over 130 countries. Here’s how countries are continuing to promote inclusion & advocating to stop hate…
The council of Europe is urging all of its member states to keep the commitments it made to fight discrimination & protect LGBTQIA+ defenders.
The council also focused on the No Hate Speech Movement which was made in 2017 after the FRA EU LGBT survey (2013) showed that 60% of LGBTQIA+ people experienced negative comments at school due to their sexual or gender orientation.
Lastly, protecting the human rights of transgender persons & highlighting the importance of legal gender recognition have both become vital issues that the cause is fighting for.
In Malta, the 3rd National Strategy & Action Plan for LGBTIQ+ for 2023-2027 was just released. It focuses on a number of vital policies & areas, including security, employment, health & more.
The action plan aims to push for equal treatment in employment for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as more inclusive services for further marginalised groups, including the elderly, disabled, migrants & young people.
It also focuses on promoting the reporting of hate speech & related crimes, as well as the inclusive training of the police force & security.
Although inclusion is higher than before, the numbers are still not ideal. From a study conducted with 47 member states of the Council of Europe, a great amount of data was revealed:
The theme for this year’s day is ‘Together always: united in diversity.’ This theme allows for advocacy & celebrations from human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ civil society groups, people part of the community & even their allies.
By uniting & raising our voices, a large difference can be made for people who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
With past progresses being at risk today, it is vital that the powers of solidarity, community & allyship is recognised. Only then can unity & diversity bring about significant change.
