The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The date of May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

IDAHOTB is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are engaged in all over the world.

IDAHOTB works to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities, and others to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is not one centralized campaign; it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action on whatever issue and in whatever format they wish. Many different entities participate in the global mobilization around May 17.

The theme for IDAHOTB 2023 is “Together always: united in diversity”. At a time when hard-won advances for 2SLGBTQ+ communities around the globe are increasingly under threat, the power of solidarity, allyship and community across identities has never been more necessary.

The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion and the 2SLGBTQ+ ERG encourage you to learn more about the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and encourage you to reflect on how you can deepen your commitment and action in making sure Humber is an inclusive environment for all.