IDAHOBIT
Written by: Tamiya Gordon
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia, also known as IDAHOBIT Day, recognises the issues within the community as intersectional and raises awareness to the discrimination faced by individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, while simultaneously celebrating the individuals who exist within these groups.
The 17th of May marks the historical moment where the World Health Organisation removed Homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Problems.
With a long history of discrimination and oppression faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in regards to inadequate access to health care, marriage rights, threats to economic security, refusal of housing and sexual harassment, just to name a few. IDAHOBIT Day can be seen as a catalyst for change, encouraging those to stand united against these divisive structures and societal views.
See the health disparity between LGBTQIA+ groups measured against the general population is vast and confronting:
39% of LGBTQIA+ people have experienced depression in the past 12 months.
Compared to 6.2% of the general population having experienced depression in the past 12 months.
This suggests that discrimination towards these communities are still prevalent.
What do these forms of discrimination look like?
Restricted access to self expression, ‘what uniform you are allowed to wear’
Denying access to restrooms based on Gender
Verbally and Physically abusive threats or actions
Phrases such as “That’s so Gay”, “Tranny” and “Faggot” which are derogatory terms that relates sexuality to the word “crap”.
Deliberately harassing and humiliating someone based on their sex or gender
Telling individuals who are bisexual that their sexuality “is a phase”
Intentional and deliberate mistreatment of an individual due to their physical, hormonal or genetic features which may be neither wholly male or female, a combination of female and male; or neither female or male and Non-binary.
Medical mistreatment on the basis of gender and sexual orientation
IDAHOBIT Day seeks to bring light to the issues within these marginalised communities through its initiative to support those within the LGBTQIA+ community, this is achieved through their invitation to participate in their cause.
How to Support the IDAHOBIT Cause and become an Ally?
Hosting a Rainbow Themed Party
After work Drinks
Picnic
Games Night
Digital Trivia Night
Drinks Online
Although IDAHOBIT is celebrated on the 17th of May, the intention to support those within the community does not need to be confined to just one day and personally I think why should it be? Some ways to achieve the consistent inclusion of your fellow LGBTQI folk can include:
Respecting their identity
Don’t “out” them when they have shared their story with you
Avoid asking derogatory and personal questions
Creating a safe space for them to share their feelings
Be Visible; ‘become an ally’
And lastly my favourite statement provided by the United Nations LGBTQI Core Group
“Our overarching goal is to work within the United Nations to ensure universal respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction, regardless of their real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics, and with a particular focus on protection from violence and discrimination.”
With this understanding, of the goals and intentions of the UN as having an active role in creating universal respect and equality for those within the community - Happy IDAHOBIT Day!
