International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (known as IDAHOSBIT) is observed on 17th May. This day aims to raise awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transexual (LGBT) rights and to help to raise awareness of their rights at work nationwide and to raise awareness of violence and discrimination they may face and to drive a positive change.
Over 130 countries celebrate this day around the world.
The day offers the opportunity for people to get together to support and reach out to each other.
The date was chosen after 990 following the World Health Organisations’ decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia was founded in 2004.
The theme for 2023 is ‘Together always united in diversity’ focusing on recognizing and respecting diverse identities and treating everyone the same.
Today, there are still more than a third of countries that criminalise same-sex relationships, and only 24 countries allow same-sex marriages.
The Equal Rights Coalition helps governments and civil societies around the world commemorate the day. They are committed to the full enjoyment of human rights for all, no matter people’s sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, and promote the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and dignity of all human beings.
LGBTQ representation is increasing, and these days more people feel safer to be seen and visible, however, hate crimes still exist and individuals face barriers in everyday life.
In the UK the number of transgender hate crimes that occurred in 2020/21 according to research was 2,700, this increased to 4,355 in 2021/22.
The number of sexual orientation hate crimes increased from 18,596 in 2020/21 to 16,152 in 2021/22.
One in five LGBT individuals have experienced a hate crime due to their sexual orientation and over half of trans people have reported being a target of hate crime due to their gender identity.
Some avoid going to certain places as they fear for their safety and over 13 percent have reported they have been discriminated against in a bar, pub, or restaurant.
This day is a way for Companies to encourage and promote LGBT inclusion and to support all employees to eliminate any discrimination from happening.
Employers should ensure within their policies they have an anti-discrimination policy and that individuals know how to report if they feel they are or have been discriminated against.
How workplaces can celebrate
- Create a factsheet about LGBT and the reasons behind International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
- If any individuals feel safe sharing experiences allow them to do this
- Share blogs, podcasts, and talks from the LGBTQ community to raise awareness.
- Ensuring the workplace is an inclusive environment for all.
Events
Many places locally will be holding events on Wednesday 17th May throughout the day to raise awareness and many will be flying rainbow flags in honour of this day.
For more information on diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, please contact our team today.
