Learn more about why we still need this awareness day
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY JUAN MOYANO
You may have seen the acronym IDAHOBIT floating around today (17 May) and wondered what it meant. This annual awareness day aims to raise awareness about LGBTQIA rights violations around the world, bringing together communities to amplify the importance of fighting for LGBTQIA rights globally.
The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “the power of communities”. This IDAHOBIT, we take a look back at its history and why we still need it in 2025.
When did IDAHOBIT start?
In 2004, the first iteration of the awareness day was conceived, at the time referred to as the International Day Against Homophobia. The first awareness day took place in 2005, with 24,000 individuals and organisations like ILGA and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) taking part. Countries like Congo, China and Bulgaria used the day to launch their first ever LGBTQIA events. 17 May was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990.
In 2009, transphobia was added to the name of the campaign, and that year’s annual observance focused on putting an end to transphobia globally. On the day itself, France became the first country in the world to officially remove transgender issues from its list of mental illnesses.
In 2015, biophobia was added to the acronym, leading to the title we know today: IDAHOBIT.
What are the aims of IDAHOBIT?
The main goal of IDAHOBIT is to raise awareness about the violence, discrimination and oppression LGBTQIA communities around the world face. It offers a platform for world leaders, charities and organisations to speak about these issues and make real change. Taking place in over 150 countries, it acts as a global campaign to end LGBTQIA discrimination.
What does this year’s theme mean?
Announced during ILGA World’s 2024 conference, the theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “The power of communities”. The theme reflects our vast and diverse community around the world, with a specific focus on intersectional identities and experiences. While the day has a theme, it’s clear that it is not a centralised campaign and its theme should be interpreted and used to reflect both local and global issues.
Why do we still need IDAHOBIT in 2025?
Following a year of anti-LGBTQIA laws and human rights rollbacks globally, IDAHOBIT has never been so needed. According to ILGA World, 64 UN member states still criminalise same-sex relationships, and 61 countries have restrictions on freedom of expression relating to sexuality and gender. We’re seeing countries like the UK, Hungary, Mali and Uganda all implement new anti-LGBTQIA laws or guidance.
Coming together and showing the strength of solidarity is vital. Calling on world leaders and organisations is necessary. Showing our strength in numbers is pertinent.
Where is the L?
While IDAHOBIT is often seen as reflecting all LGBQTIA identities, there have been calls for lesbophobia to be added to the acronym. In 2021, former DIVA publisher Linda Riley made an open call for the awareness day to specifically recognise the discrimination lesbians face.
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