International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) – 17 May 2023

2023 Theme: “Together Always: United in Diversity”.

17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The day commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organisation to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. The day is celebrated in over 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported worldwide. Policymakers, opinion leaders, the media, and the general public are challenged yearly to address the urgent need to combat violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people.

Significant strides have been made in recent years regarding the respect and equality of individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. A growing number of policies and laws, including the legalisation of gay marriage and the adoption of anti-discrimination laws, reflect an increasing recognition of the human rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The key theme for this year is “Together Always: United in Diversity”, a call for the world to speak with one voice to eliminate the stigma, discrimination, harmful practices, and violence often perpetrated against LGBTQIA+ people across the globe.