The governing body in charge of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has now announced the theme for this year’s celebration.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
May 17th was chosen as a way to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. “The Day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision-makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities, etc. to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics,” the May17 website reads.
The theme for this year’s celebration, as announced in the official statement by the governing body, is “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!”. “This year’s theme, “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!” was chosen in the context of the events and struggles of the past year. The global pandemic is far from over and will have a long-lasting impact on social activism and the fight for equal rights. In the midst of the chaos, heartbreak and ongoing challenges, it is with hope for global awareness of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia that we can continue to provide inspiration. Together we resist homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, we continue to support one another, particularly our communities in parts of the world where the lives and safety of our community are continually at risk, and with each step forward we can and will collectively heal,” the statement read.
“We are inspired by this very powerfully focused message in the hope that the theme will resonate with many in the current context of our global struggle. As in past years, any organization, group or activist is free to choose to use this theme (or not) on the day and in their participation in this awareness-raising, annual global movement.”
