It’s International Awareness Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) this Saturday, 17th May 2014.

The awareness day was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.

Since then the Day has grown in both scope and depth. In 2013, actions around the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia took place in almost 120 countries. In the United Kingdom alone in 2013, almost 200 events took place around the Day, whilst in Brazil just under 120 events were registered one month before May 17.

In short, in under a decade, the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia has established itself the single most important date for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities to mobilise on a worldwide scale.

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

The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia has received official recognition from several States and such international institutions as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.

LGBTI organizations, governments, cities, human rights organizations, corporations and celebrities have all taken action on May 17th to:

  • Draw media attention to the issue of homophobia and transphobia
  • Organise events which mobilize public opinion
  • Demand attention from policymakers and engage in lobbying activities
  • Network with like-minded organizations and develop new partnerships, at home or beyond
  • Mobilize existing constituencies and address new audiences.

The above information has been taken from the following website:-http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/idaho/what-is-idaho/

So what’s going on in Sheffield?

A ‘one minute noise’ to mark the IDAHOT will take place in Sheffield’s Peace Gardens on Saturday 17th May to raise awareness of the impact of prejudice and discrimination on the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across the world. The one minute noise will be followed by a ‘Live Late’ event at the Millennium Gallery featuring DJs, a Big Bingo show, and the chance to enjoy exhibitions out of hours. More information can be found here.

The University of Sheffield is promoting activities held in Sheffield: http://sheffieldlgbtstaffnetwork.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/idahot-international-day-against.html

If you would like to speak to someone about any topic written in this article or any other issue, you can contact the Student Advice and Information team here at Hallam.