May 17 is the international observance day IDAHOT —the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Interphobia. The day was established in 2004 to highlight the discrimination, violence, and violations still faced by members of the LGBTQI+ community in many parts of the world.
The choice of date is symbolic. On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. This marked an important step in the destigmatization of homosexuality and has since come to be seen as a breakthrough in the recognition of LGBTQI+ rights.
IDAHOT is observed globally by governments, organizations, schools, businesses, and civil society. It is marked by campaigns, educational initiatives, and public demonstrations aimed at raising awareness of the challenges LGBTQI+ individuals face in their daily lives. Despite progress in many countries, legal, social, and cultural obstacles remain that affect the living conditions of these communities.
In some parts of the world, homosexuality is still criminalized, and trans people lack basic legal protections. Even in countries with formal legal rights, discrimination, hate crimes, and harassment continue based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Attempts still occur to change the sexuality or gender identity of LGBTQI+ people using unscientific methods such as “conversion therapy”—often cloaked in religious rhetoric. We now know that such practices cause psychological harm, shame, and self-hatred in those subjected to them. Conversion therapy must be banned through broad political agreements—both nationally and internationally.
IDAHOT is not only about commemorating past progress, but also about emphasizing the need for continued work for equality and human rights. It is everyone’s responsibility to combat discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ individuals—in legislation, in the workplace, in schools, and in public discourse. An inclusive society demands deliberate efforts and a clear stance against all forms of intolerance.
