The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is observed annually across the world on May 17 to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.
- The day commemorates the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision on May 17, 1990, to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
- In 2025, the day marks its 21st anniversary, emphasizing cross-movement solidarity to combat discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.
Theme:
i.The theme of IDAHOBIT 2025 is “The Power of Communities”, emphasizing the strength and resilience that emerge from collective solidarity within LGBTQIA+ communities.
ii.This theme highlights the importance of community support in combating discrimination and promoting inclusivity.
Background:
i.Inception: The concept of IDAHOBIT was initiated in 2004 by Louis-Georges Tin, a French academic and activist, to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
ii.First Observance: The first International Day Against Homophobia was observed on May 17, 2005.
iii.Evolution of the Acronym:
- 2009: Transphobia was added, changing the acronym to IDAHOT
- 2015: Biphobia was included, resulting in the current acronym IDAHOBIT.
Significance:
i.IDAHOBIT serves as a platform to advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and to promote policies that ensure equality and non-discrimination. It is observed in over 130 countries, including those where same-sex relationships are criminalized.
Global LGBTQI+ Rights: Key Facts
i.Marriage Equality:As of May 2025, 38 countries have legalized same-sex marriage, reflecting a significant global shift toward marriage equality.
- Netherlands (2001): First country to legalize same-sex marriage.
- Taiwan, Nepal & Thailand: Only Asian nations with national recognition (as of May 2025).
- South Africa: Sole African country with legal same-sex marriage.
ii.Transgender Rights:
- France (2009): First to remove transgender identity from mental illness lists.
iii.Discrimination:
- 72 countries criminalize same-sex relationships (UN 2024 data).
- 1 in 3 LGBTQI+ individuals face violence globally.
Global Initiatives:
i.United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): Supports rights-based policies and education programs for LGBTQI+ communities.
ii.WHO: Advocates for depathologizing gender diversity in healthcare systems.
2025 Events:
On May 17, 2025, the United Nations(UN) hosted a webinar titled “LGBTQI+ Rights in Conflict Zones” to commemorate the IDAHOBIT. This event aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in areas affected by armed conflict and political instability.
About the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
It is formerly known as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency.
Executive Director(ED) – Dr. Natalia Kanem
Established – 1969
Headquarters – New York City, the United States of America(USA)
