International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT)

Hi

Given that next week celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), I thought it might be interesting to explore it’s origins. Although I have been in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion for a couple of decades, I never really marked 17^th May – IDAHOT.

Prior to coming into HE, my career had largely been in the public sector, specifically local authorities. Greater levels of public accountability and challenge, combined with recent, substantial budget savings led to, perhaps, a single- minded focus on the impact of savings on particular sections of the community. Celebrations were definitely not high on the list of priority actions. Coming into HE has enabled a better balance between governance and positive, community events.

So do you know the origins of IDAHOT?

Around the late 19^th Century when scientists started developing theories around sexual identity and behaviour, homosexuality, and later gender variance, was defined as the result of chemical imbalances or mental deficiencies. This psychological approach was largely instrumental in creating homosexuality and transgenderism as abnormal.

In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. The American Psychological Association followed in 1975 by adopting a policy statement, “Discrimination Against Homosexuals”, supporting the action taken by the American Psychiatric Association, and taking a stand against discrimination.

On 17^th May, 1990 The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a revised version of the “International Classification of Diseases Manual”, in which homosexuality was not considered a mental disease any longer. This is why, in 2004, the 17^th May was chosen to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people across the world (taken from daysagainsthomophobia.org/what-is-may-17^th).

Initially known as “International Day against Homophobia” it was mainstreamed through the acronym “IDAHO”. However, in 2009, when Transphobia was added into the title, IDAHOT became the more popular acronym.

In 2015 biphobia was included, to acknowledge the particular issues faced by bisexual people.

17^th May is now observed in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same sex acts are illegal.

Every year the global community of sexual and gender minorities identifies a specific focus issue for the celebrations. For 2018 the theme is “Alliances for Solidarity”. This theme highlights the importance of sexual and gender minorities being allies to other minority groups. It creates an opportunity to create networks with potential new allies and partners as well as strengthen bonds with existing ones.

Here in Gloucestershire, we shall mark 17^th May as part of FestivALL. This is a month of activities starting on 17^th May designed to “bring communities together to celebrate and to inspire inclusion, in and around Gloucestershire”.

We’ve organised our first diversity & inclusion conference, ‘A Call To Action’, as part of the FestivALL this year. Find out more and book your free ticket here.

You can find out more about FestivALL here

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