Progress in overcoming discrimination based on sexual orientation and to ensuring fair treatment for everyone can seem painfully slow at times. So sometimes it’s good to celebrate what’s been achieved already, as well as looking at the road ahead.
17th May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (known by the slightly quirky acronym IDAHOBIT). The date was chosen to commemorate the date in 1990 on which the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.
This year’s day will have a particular focus on health and wellbeing, and there will be a number of events across the country. Here’s some of the events we know about in Yorkshire…
Leeds: Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police are marking IDAHOBIT with an event on Albion Place in the city centre on Saturday 14th May, running 10am until 4pm with a number of organisations attending to promote the positive impact they’re making on our communities.
Also in Leeds on Tuesday 17th May, there’s an event at the Civic Hall to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms. To find out more or to book a place, contact Jessica Dolphin jessica.dolphin@leeds.gov.uk.
Sheffield: To mark the day, a public event with music, speeches and messages of support will be taking place: Tuesday 17th May 5.00pm, Sheffield Peace Gardens. There will be a one-minute ‘noise’ at 6.00pm to join our voices with other events across the world to send a clear message that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia have no place in our society. We hope you, your friends, colleagues and families can join us for this annual event in making as much noise as possible! Bring placards, banners, whistles and voices.
Bradford: Celebrate this year’s #IDAHOBIT day on Thursday 19th May 2016 at Bradford City Football Club, Valley Parade, Bradford – starting at 6pm along with food and networking. For more info and to book a place, please call 01274 727759, 07914921610 or email rachel@equitypartnership.org.uk
