The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is a global moment of solidarity and visibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. It is observed every year on 17 May, and brings together individuals, organisations, and governments from around the world to raise awareness about the issues facing LGBTQIA+ people, and to advocate for policies and laws that protect their rights.
The IDAHO Committee, as it was originally called, was created in 2004 by the founders of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Since then, the day has been a crucial platform for us to come together, each in our own way, to amplify calls for change. The day has been used as an opportunity to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people, as well as others with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
The day of 17 May was specifically chosen to commemorate IDAHOBIT, as it marks the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. This decision was a major milestone in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.