International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)

What is this day about?

International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia’s (IDAHOBIT) goal is to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights across the world and inspire everyone to take action to support the rights of people with different sexual orientations and gender identities who make up the LGBTQ+ community.

When is this awareness day celebrated?

Every year International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia takes place on 17th May.

The original organisers of this event chose this date to celebrate and remember the World Health Organisation’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder on this day in 1990, which was a landmark moment for the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Why do we need this day for the LGBTQ+ community?

International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia is a reminder that although LGBTQ+ representation is increasing, and many more individuals including friends, family, and colleagues are feeling safer to be more seen and visible, hate crimes are still occurring and LGBTQ+ individuals still face barriers daily. For example, in 2023 the number of hate crimes against transgender people rose to an all time high by 11% in the UK.

IDAHOBIT is an opportunity for organisations to shine a light on the discrimination the LGBT+ community experiences and encourage and promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Important facts about this awareness day

Here are a few quick facts about International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia:

• IDAHOBIT’s theme for 2025 is: ‘The power of communities’. The theme allows for advocacy and celebrations in many forms – whether you’re part of a human rights organisation, an LGBTQ+ network or an ally looking to raise awareness.
• Depending on where you are in the world, IDAHOBIT is also known as ‘May 17th’, but in the UK it’s more commonly recognised as International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia.
• IDAHOBIT began as a concept in 2004 when thousands of individuals and a number of organisations came together to support what was known as the ‘International Day Against Homophobia initiative’.
• This event is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal.

How to celebrate this event in the workplace

There are numerous ways to commemorate IDAHOBIT at work, including:

• Make your workplace LGBTQ+ friendly every day of the year by downloading our LGBTQ+ guide which shares advice on how to create an inclusive environment for LGBT+ colleagues
• If your colleagues feel safe sharing their experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, invite them to webinars and events to share why IDAHOBIT is important to them.
• Share videos, blogs, podcasts, and talks on the LGBTQ+ community. For example, public speaker and human rights defender Maria Munir shares why International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia is important to them.
• Use the bitesize inclusion toolkit to facilitate conversations about LGBTQ+ topics and encourage understanding and awareness.