International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is an opportunity for the global community to recognise and address the ongoing discrimination faced by our LGBTIQ+ communities.
A report from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association published as recently as 2020 found consensual same-sex sexual acts between adults in private was illegal in at least 67 UN Member States. Citizens in these areas can face punishments ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty. Many more jurisdictions have poor LGBTIQ+ protections, while some are actively trying to remove laws that protect LGBTIQ+ people and enshrine new legislation that will actively exclude and discriminate.
May 17 commemorates the decision by the World Health Organisation to declassify and remove homosexuality as a mental health disorder on the same day in 1990. IDAHOBIT is an opportunity to celebrate the hard-won advances here in Australia for LGBTIQ+ communities, while reflecting on the historical discrimination and stigma faced by LGBTIQ+ people, and recognising the work still to be made in many other parts of the world.
Keen to recognise IDAHOBIT at your workplace, school or uni? Check out the IDAHOBIT website from the team at Minus18 for resources and suggestions on how to take part.
SHINE SA also offer various training and education options for workplaces and educators, along with resources available from their online shop:
Teachers & Educators: Focus Schools Program – Comprehensive Relationships and Sexual Health Education in SA Schools – SHINE SA
Professional Training Courses: Courses & Events – SHINE SA
Online Shop: Online Shop (shinesa.org.au)
