“Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

The theme for 2024 is “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all”.

Founded in 2004, IDAHOBIT is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about discrimination, violence, and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community to drive positive change and is now celebrated in more than 130 countries around the world. Decided during extensive consultations with LGBTQIA+ organisations from across the world, the theme will allow for advocacy and celebrations in many forms – be it from human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ civil society groups, millions of people in our communities, and our allies.

The world has just celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — A document that is much more than a cornerstone of international law: it is a guide to navigate a deeply divided world, a set of values that everyone can live by, and ultimately a force for good. And yet, we know that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” represents a promise not yet fulfilled — for LGBTQIA+ people across the world, and for everyone experiencing the suffocating impact on their lives of diverse layers of inequalities. This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is a call for unity: only through solidarity for each other will we create a world without injustice, where no one is left behind.

The campaign's objectives include:

Raising awareness about the ongoing discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ people.

Encouraging individuals, organisations, agencies, and other key actors to take action in promoting equality and celebrating diversity.

Advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, particularly those who belong to further marginalised groups.

Creating a platform for LGBTQIA+ people to share their stories and experiences.

Fostering a sense of community and solidarity among LGBTQIA+ people and their allies worldwide.

IDAHOBIT reminds us that there is still a long way to go until all LGBTQ+ people are free and safe from harm. It is easy to see homophobia, biphobia and transphobia as something that happens ‘elsewhere’ but IDAHOBIT prompts us to look closer to home, too. Transphobic hate crimes have quadrupled in the last five years, with 4 out of 5 trans people experiencing a transphobic hate crime, and 1 in 4 experiencing physical assault or the threat of physical assault. Some UK media outlets frequently carry articles by anti-trans hate groups that are active in seeking to undermine trans people’s rights.

The number of homophobic attacks is also increasing, with data suggesting that these have risen by 22% in London in the space of one year.

In a time where the progress made by our LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide is increasingly at risk, it is crucial to recognise the power of solidarity, community, and allyship across different identities, movements, and borders. When we unite, in all our beautiful diversity, we can really bring about change!

By coming together and raising our voices, we can make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities worldwide. On this IDAHOBIT, let's get together, resist discrimination, and promote healing!”

(Image curtesy of Newburypride© )