We’ll be flying new inclusive Pride flags from Hove and Brighton Town Halls on Tuesday 17 May to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT).
Founded in 2004, IDAHOBiT aims to raise awareness of violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) people to drive positive change and is now celebrated in more than 130 countries around the world.
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.
‘Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights’
IDAHOBiT reminds us that there is still a long way to go until all LGBTQ+ people are free and safe from harm.
This year’s theme is ‘Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights’, reflecting community calls for claiming rights to live our sexualities and to express our gender(s) freely but also demanding to be free from physical violence, from conversion so-called ‘therapies to forced sterilisation of Trans and Intersex people.
It’s a theme that reminds us that many across the world live LGBTQI-phobias in their very flesh every day and that our bodies are being abused, ruining our lives. Our bodies are our lives. And we have a right to live free and in dignity!
IDAHOBiT Flag Health Walk
You’re invited to join a gentle guided walk with the LGBTQ Workers Forum members, with friends, partners, and people you know very welcome.
The walk begins from the Kiss Statue on the seafront to The Ledward Centre via Pavilion Gardens and Valley Gardens.
It’ll be a slow walk with our cycling sound system, being hugely visible and being a strong vibrant community through the city centre, carrying our collection of diverse LGBTQ+ flags.
Come walk with power and pride with your LGBTQ+ peers.
All are welcome to join. Meet at 11.30am at the Kiss Statue on the seafront (opposite East Street).
Community Vigil
Join community speakers, the Rainbow Chorus, and Queer, LGBTQ & Trans & Non-binary groups for a community vigil in Jubilee Square for the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia from 6pm on Tuesday 17 May.
There will be inspirational community speakers, the Rainbow Chorus will sing and then we can create a minute of the loudest Queer noise you can make, followed by nibbles and networking at the Ledward Centre.
All welcome, free. Meet at 5.45pm in Jubilee Square.
Supporting IDAHOBiT
Councillor Steph Powell, co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said:
“It’s very important to show our continuing support for the International Day against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia.
“Visibility plays an important part for our communities and it’s great that we can meet up in greater numbers this year. Do come to the community vigil or the health walk to show your support if you can.
“Hate Crime has not gone away, LGBTQ+ communities are still under attack everywhere. If this happens to you, please do report it.
“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 Grimshaw, 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 hate crime and anti-social behaviour
Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe.
We are committed to LGBTQ+ equality and supporting communities harmed by hate crime.
We encourage anyone who has experienced homophobic, biphobic or transphobic motivated hate incidents or anti-social behaviour, 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:
- using our online anti-social behaviour and hate incident reporting form
- emailing communitysafety.casework@brighton-hove.gov.uk
- calling 01273 292 735 - in an emergency, always call the police on 999
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.
- Find out more about the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
