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Let's talk about diversity: IDAHOBIT 2020

We answer some of the questions surrounding the movement and let you know how you can stand in support of the LGBTQI+ youth community all year round!

Home >What's on >Articles >Let's talk about diversity: IDAHOBIT 2020
Post date: 21st May 2020

IDAHOBIT Day is an internationally recognized event against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia and discrimination against intersex people. The day calls to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQI+ communities globally.

Thousands of initiatives are organized in more than 130 countries across the world on May 17th each year. However, the issues surrounding IDAHOBIT are not unique to just one day. Here we answer some of the questions surrounding the movement and let you know how you can stand in support of the LGBTQI+ youth community all year round!

Why is May 17th significant?

30 years ago, on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organisation made the decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

This day now represents an annual landmark globally to draw attention to the continuing issues faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions.

May 17 IDAHOBIT Day

The 2020 theme is "Breaking the Silence" - What does that mean?

There are many members of the LGBTQI+ community who continue to live with the stigma of feeling ashamed of who they are and there are still many countries in the world where same-sex acts are illegal. Some people are forced wander through their lives keeping their sexualities, gender identities or sex characteristics hidden; even from their families, social circles, or work colleagues.

The idea of “Breaking the Silence” aims to end this. The hope is that if we all speak up and stand in support of IDAHOBIT, that all the members of the LGBTQI+ community who cannot speak up will hear these sounds of solidarity and have hope that change is imminent.

Talk to the GOTAFE Skills and Jobs Team

Can we mark this event throughout the year?

Absolutely! IDAHOBIT is not a singular idea. The day marks a moment when lots of ideas come together to support freedom and equality for all. However, showing our support for the LGBTQI+ community all year round is a great way to help change happen.

What can I do to show my support?

This year, due to the current COVID restrictions, we are having to be creative with the ways we show support for IDAHOBIT!

Even though IDAHOBIT and lots of other Pride events have been postponed this year, there are still plenty of ways to get involved!

Support for IDAHOBIT

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