Today, May 17, marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, but many people may not know the history behind it. When did it start and how? Read on to find out.
The battle against homophobia has been more important than ever, with social media outcry sparking from the death of Ali Fazeli Monfared earlier on in the month.
The 20-year-old gay Iranian man was allegedly murdered by relatives for his sexual orientation.
Today is day for a call for action against discrimination and for equality for LGBTQI+ people.
Learn more about the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia here.
When did International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia start?
The idea of the day came to be in 2004, but it took a year-long campaign before the first International Day Against Homophobia was born on May 17, 2005.
This date was specifically chosen to commemorate the day World Health Organisation (WHO) declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990.
Organisations such as the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), the World Congress of LGBT Jews, and the Coalition of African Lesbians appealed for the campaign.
Transphobia was added to the day name in 2009 – the campaign during that year focused more heavily against transphobia.
Biphobia was added to the name of the campaign in 2015.
There are still approximately 70 countries that still criminalise same-sex relationships, with 10 of these countries punishable by death. This means that millions of LGBTQI+ people are still unable to live their lives rightfully free.
The internet celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Organisations and platforms all over the globe have spoken out to bring awareness to the special day.
How to help: