International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is celebrated every year on May 17th, and recognises the date that the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases.
The day has become a global phenomenon, with organisations all over the world hosting events and running campaigns for the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, because whilst it’s important to celebrate our historical wins, there is still work to be done.
IDAHOBIT, is recognised in 130 countries, and offers an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the global LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the 37 countries where same-sex acts or gender-affirming recognition and treatments remain illegal.
The IDAHOBIT 2023 theme, ‘Together always: united in diversity,’ was decided through a large consultation with LGBTQIA+ organisations from around the world.
In a time where the progress made by activists in our LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide is increasingly at risk, and the UK has dropped down the rankings for LGBTQ+ rights, it is crucial to protect each other and recognise the power of solidarity, community, and allyship.
As part of the LGBTQ+ community it is important to lead with kindness and across different identities, movements, and borders. When we unite, in all our beautiful diversity, we can really bring about change!
By coming together and raising our voices, we can make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities worldwide.
A hate incident is any incident which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or alternative sub-culture (the way they dress or their lifestyle).
LGBTQ+ people can experience hate due to their actual or percieved sexual orientation or gender identity. Many LGBTQ+ people report experiencing hate incidents at home, at school, at work, or out in the world. These incidents can vary from online abuse, to verbal abuse, to physical assault.
Our I Choose Kindness campaign is part of our ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community. By raising awareness, providing resources, and promoting a culture of kindness and respect, we can make a significant impact on reducing hate crimes and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Manchester and beyond.
Individuals can support people who experience hate crimes by encouraging them to report hate crimes and sharing resources from Manchester Pride and Galop to educate and support our communities and allies.
You can learn more about how to identify hate crimes and find out exactly how and where to the report them using our Hate Crime Reporting Pack. You can also use our diary sheets to record the details of any hate incidents you experience so that when reporting you have all the information you need written down.
We take time every year to honour the countless activists and advocates across Greater Manchester, who have fought for our rights and paved the way for progress.
Pride celebrations bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate and embrace diversity, and they serve as a powerful reminder that love and acceptance should be at the heart of our communities.
Pride also raises awareness about the ongoing struggles and inequalities that LGBTQ+ people face on a daily basis. Pride is about human rights and empowering LGBTQ+ people to reclaim the rights and freedoms they have been denied in public spaces where they can often feel excluded.
The Human Rights Forum is returning in 2023 and there will be plenty of other opportunities to be active activists at Manchester Pride Festival this year, more information will be available soon.
