May 17th each year is the day the world speaks out against discrimination and stigma towards the bisexual, gay, and transgender (LGBT) community through various meaningful actions.
History and Origins of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
Before exploring the history and origins of this day, it is essential to understand what LGBT means. LGBT is an acronym for four English words: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender. Simply put, LGBT refers to the community of individuals belonging to these four groups or those who are seeking to identify their true gender.
Before the United Nations recognized it, May 17th was celebrated as Gay Day in Germany.
Members of the LGBT community are often viewed as unusual or different and face stigma in many places. Those who stigmatize the LGBT community often think of them as “disgusting.” Before the United Nations recognized it, May 17th was celebrated as Gay Day in Germany. It wasn’t until May 17, 1990, that the World Health Organization officially removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders.
By 2004, the LGBT community joined forces with non-stigmatizing individuals to establish the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This event was seen as a result of the tireless efforts of many LGBT organizations worldwide, with participation from 24,000 people. From this point forward, the IDAHOT Committee was formed to coordinate activities of the LGBT community across various countries. Additionally, ILGA and IGLHRC are two significant organizations related to the LGBT community.
Thus, May 17th was recognized as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, commonly known as IDAHOT. Since its inception, many countries, including Italy, Canada, Spain, the UK, Mexico, Croatia, Belgium, and the European Union (EU), have recognized this day. Alongside this recognition, the IDAHOT Committee has been established in numerous countries to oversee and support activities of the LGBT community.
May 17th is now celebrated in over 130 countries, yet many still consider homosexuality illegal. IDAHOT is regarded as a significant milestone in human rights for the LGBT community, drawing attention from the media, authorities, major corporations, and the public regarding the challenges faced by the LGBT community due to their sexual orientation. The IDAHOT Committee has also been formed in many countries to raise social awareness about the issues of violence, stigma, and unfair discrimination against the LGBT community. This will change societal perceptions of those who wish to live according to their true gender, thereby influencing policymakers.
Significance of IDAHOT
IDAHOT aims to raise awareness about the LGBT community.
By organizing events on May 17th, the organizers and the LGBT community hope to:
Raise societal awareness about gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to foster a better understanding of this group. Everyone wants to live as their true selves, and LGBT individuals are no exception.
Reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence against gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Essentially, LGBT individuals are just like anyone else; they are simply living in a gender that does not match their external appearance. They are not wrong, nor are they immoral. Therefore, if someone holds prejudice against LGBT individuals, it is they who are in the wrong.
Create larger global events on IDAHOT rather than just national celebrations as seen today. This will help connect the LGBT community worldwide while increasing awareness and expanding opportunities for individuals to “come out.”
Activities Supporting IDAHOT Worldwide
To support the LGBT community, numerous activities have taken place around the world, especially in the Americas, Latin America, and Europe. Through these events, the message of protecting the LGBT community is spread widely. On the day dedicated to LGBT:
Many events held on May 17th attract media attention.
- In Cuba, a large street parade has been held for three consecutive years by Mariela Castro. Notably, since September 27, 2022, Cuba became the first communist country to officially recognize same-sex marriage, allowing same-sex couples to marry, adopt children, or utilize commercial surrogacy. This is seen as a significant turning point, as previously, during Fidel Castro’s presidency, homosexuals were imprisoned and discriminated against.
- In Chile, over 50,000 people participated in IDAHOT celebrations.
- Global Rainbow Flashmob was an event featuring over 50 activists from different countries and 100 cities, held in 2013.
- In Albania, the music festival “Love Music Hate Homophobia” and street cycling events were significant occurrences commemorating May 17th.
Support for the LGBT Community in Vietnam
In 2011, the first event for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia was held in Vietnam. This event received substantial support from community members, society at large, as well as leaders, the media, and policymakers.
In Vietnam, “Viet Pride” has been held annually since 2012.
By 2018, the United Nations in Vietnam officially joined the IDAHOT solidarity alliance to help reduce discrimination against homosexual individuals.
One of the most notable events in Vietnam is the Viet Pride event, which has been held annually since 2012. The provision prohibiting same-sex marriage was lifted in 2014 and came into effect in 2015, which appears to have provided a legal basis for changing legal gender identity. As of now, Vietnam has made significant progress by implementing the legal recognition of gender for transgender individuals.
Every year on May 17th, the LGBT community in Vietnam gathers to participate in a parade with the rainbow flag, the symbol of the LGBT community. The Viet Pride event is a crucial step towards increasing societal awareness and sharing more with the LGBT community.
Now you understand the history and significance of May 17th, the day dedicated to LGBT rights. As a person living in a civilized era, let’s contribute to spreading recognition for the LGBT community.
