International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia

Monday 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT). 

IDAHOBiT was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The date of 17 May was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

IDAHOBiT on 17 May is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.

Small but perfectly formed

Events to mark the day are unfortunately limited again this year by Covid restrictions.

A socially distanced health walk for a small group of members of the council’s LGBTQ Workers Forum is starting from the seafront at noon today.

The 'Loud and Proud' Healthwalk will be carrying LGBTQ+ flags to show solidarity with the city’s LGBTQ+ communities and promote queer visibility for IDAHOBiT 2021.

As part of the week, the LGBTQ Workers Forum is also hosting an online Stretch & Flex session with personal trainer Elle at 1pm on Wednesday 19 May.

It’s free and anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ is welcome, especially people who are shielding or unable to access outdoor space.  

The session will be held over Zoom with 40 minutes of low impact mobility, balance, and core-based exercises suitable for all. Just a mat or towel required!

Email LGBTQWorkersForum@brighton-hove.gov.uk for the link to join. If you have any specific health questions, contact Elle on prowessfit@hotmail.co.uk. 

Supporting IDAHOBiT

Councillor Steph Powell, joint chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said:

“With the main Pride and Trans Pride events and a host of live community events cancelled again this year, it’s important to show our continuing support for the International Day against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia. 

“We recognise that visibility plays an important part for our communities. With lockdowns closing many LGBTQ+ spaces, the walk is a visible and fun way of providing a safe temporary community space in a popular part of the city. 

“Hate Crime has not gone away, LGBTQ+ communities are under attack like never before. 

“Days like IDAHOBiT are there to remind us that the work to tackle injustice and hate is far from over. We do not tolerate any form of hate in Brighton & Hove.”

Councillor Amanda Evans, lead for equalities for the Labour opposition, said: 

“We’re proud to support the International Day against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia and show our solidarity with the city’s LGBTQ+ communities.

“With LGBTQ+ hate crime reports still on the rise, it’s vital for everyone to know we will not accept it and support is available.”

Reporting anti-social behaviour and hate crime

Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe.

We encourage anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour or hate incidents, including harassment or distress due to their identity, to report it

Our community safety team works closely with the police and our communities to prevent anti-social behaviour and hate incidents and support anyone affected.

If you have experienced or witnessed hate crime, our community safety team are here to support you and provide advice. You can contact our team by:

Or report hate incidents to Sussex Police or call them on 101 if it’s not an emergency. 

You can find support and advice if you have experienced or witnessed hate crime from the Rainbow Hub, the city’s LGBTQ+ Community Hub. 

You can also call the national LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline on 020 7704 2040.

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