International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT)

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia or IDAHOT, marks the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

Who celebrates?

Everyone – it’s a global awareness day!

How do people celebrate?

• People and organisations use the day to raise awareness of LGBT+ role models and create understanding
• Recognition is also given to the inequality that still exists for the LGBT+ community in the UK and globally.

What should I know?

• Stonewall estimates that 6-10% of the UK identify as Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual
• There are between 200,000-500,000 trans people in the UK
• It was not until 2014 that equal rights, including marriage were awarded to LGBT+ people across the UK.

How can I support others?

• Educate yourself on trans issues using the additional resources
• Be sensitive of anyone who have experienced the loss of a trans person or may have been subject to trans related discrimination
• Talk to your team about the trans representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and what you’re doing to do to ensure trans inclusion.

Stonewalls awareness videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/stonewalluk

IDAHOT resources: https://may17.org/

British Library: A history of LGBT+ rights: https://www.bl.uk/lgbtq-histories/articles/a-short-history-of-lgbt-rights-in-the-uk