international day against homophobia
On 17th May 2005 it started: In about 40 countries people demonstrated, organised manifestations, exhibitions or debates to pay attention to one theme: homophobia. On this day it had been exactly 15 years ago that the World Health Organisation (WHO) took homosexuality from their list of mental disorders.
Aim of the day is it to celebrate things that have been reached and at the same time demand a change in things that still have to be done – so it is for instance a success that homosexuality is no longer seen as a disease in medicine – but homophobia is still present in social and political areas all over the world. Occasionally it’s even supported by governments. In about 70 countries it is still illegal to be homo-, bisexual or transgender. Partly countries still have the death penalty on it, as in Iran or Nigeria.
In order to push the worldwide work against homophobia forward, the French organisation IDAHOmophobia is collecting signatures for a petition to the United Nations. Another petition demands that the International Day Against Homophobia shall be put on national and international calendars – as the Worldaidsday. Both petitions have already been signed by the European Parliament.
Partner of the initiative under the guidance of Louis-Georges Tin ist he International Gay and Lesbian Association ILGA. The day is also supported by the European Parliament, the International Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organization IGLYO or the International Federation of Human Rights FIDH.
Theme of the international campaign for IDAHO 2007 is „No to Homophobia. Yes to Education!“ and is targeted especially on schools and political authorities. Already in 2006 the number of countries joining grew up to 50 – let’s hope that this year it will be even more.
