International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

‘Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights’

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) was founded in 2004. Now, over 130 countries mark the day on 17 May to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. 

The day aims to raise awareness of the ongoing discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people, and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.  It reminds us that there is still a long way to go until they are free and safe from harm. 

This year’s theme is ‘Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights’.  This reflects the right of the LGTBQI+ community to live their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression freely, in dignity, and without fear of violence. This includes being free from physical violence such as conversion so-called “therapies” and forced sterilisation of Trans and Intersex people.

The theme reminds us that many LGTBQI+ people across the world live with LGBTQI-phobias and face abuse of their bodies that ruins lives.  We must remember that LGTBQI+ people have the right to live free and in dignity!

Visit May 17 or Stonewall for more information.

The Council work extremely hard to ensure that we offer a safe and enjoyable place for LGBTQI+ people to work and to ensure that the Vale of Glamorgan area is a positive and nurturing environment therein. If you would like to get involved in this, or if you have any suggestions for how to make things better, please contact GLAM, our LGBT+ Staff Network.