Today is IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) or IDAHOBIT International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia), an internationally recognised day of action to give visibility to the experiences of LGBTIQ people around the world.
The day marks the date that the World Health Organisation decided to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990 and as such is an appropriate day to take action against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
This year, the IDAHOT committee chose “Families” as the theme of the day, which includes in its focus both the role of families in the wellbeing of their LGBTIQ members and the respect of the rights of LGBTIQ families (rainbow families). The move this year also recognises the proximity in dates and values of the International Family Equality Day (IFED), also held this month.
ILGA (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) has released its most recent report in time for IDAHOT this year, which shows that Australia is no longer one of the more progressive countries in supporting the rights of its LGBTIQ people.
ILGA is responsible for publishing an annual world report and a map on legislation criminalising or protecting people on the basis of their sexual orientation or recognising their relationships and has consultative status at the UN ECOSOC Council.
This year’s report indicated that while laws that criminalises same-sex sexual practice is slowly annually decreasing, down to 124 this year, the death penalty for same-sex sexual acts may be applied in eight UN member States.
Co-author Aengus Carroll said, “Although laws that recognise our relationships and families are on the increase, less than 25 per cent of the world’s states recognise or protect us — that is a sobering thought.”