It's International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia!

It's International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia!

The LGBTQ+ community continues to face violence, discrimination, and repression worldwide. Despite many people telling us we don’t belong, the LGBTQ+ community is resilient. We continue to take action, demand equal rights, and engage in dialogue with the media, policymakers, public opinion, and broader civil society.

A specifically significant day we combat discrimination is today, The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

 

The day was first recognized on May 17, 2004, as International Day Against Homophobia. May 17th was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Since the first observation, the name has evolved to include transphobia and biphobia and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations worldwide.

Want to learn more? Follow along…


What is homophobia?

Homophobia is the dislike or prejudice against gay people.  It can take many different forms, including negative attitudes, aversion and prejudice. Although society has become more accepting, homophobia is still prevalent, and many people do not like gay people. In many cases, the cause of this homophobia is based on irrational fear, misunderstanding, or people believing that it goes against their religion. 

What is transphobia?

In 2009, transphobia was added to the name of the event. Transphobia is similar to homophobia, except it relates to direct discrimination against transgender people. Many transgender people do not identify as gay, so the addition of transphobia makes the day even more inclusionary of all identities. 

What is biphobia?

Biphobia was added to the name back in 2015. Biphobia is the aversion toward bisexuality and bisexual people as individuals. Some examples of biphobia include the denial that bisexuality is a genuine sexual orientation or the negative creation of stereotypes about people who are bisexual.

Both gay and straight people can be transphobic and biphobic, and people can be transphobic without being homophobic or biphobic. Therefore, the inclusion of all the terms is essential and helps to recognize that all identities are supported during the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

Join Pride Palace as we raise awareness and stand in solidarity against all forms of oppression, against all individuals.

 

 


14 comments


  • Gay Gig Harbor

    It’s crazy that these things still take place. I’ve been called many things over the years related to my sexual orientation. Thankfully I’ve never been physically attacked.


  • Cheryl Pettijohn

    This comment is for everyone, but specifically for Brandi as well. I understand what it feels like when your flag was stolen. I had one outside my classroom that was stolen during Christmas break. One of my fellow teachers is anti LGBT and I think it was she who took it. I, of course, put TWO flags out after that (one rainbow, one ace). I am grateful to pride palace for many things, but especially for keeping us informed about these important dates.


  • Nava

    I acknowledge that this may be a frustrating time for a lot of you because of what idiotic and horrible things are happening in florida, I think it’s horrible that one person can make a law stopping us from existing in our true forms to them. I also recognize that other behavior in different places is unacceptable and quite frankly horrifying in events where children and teens can be taken from their parents because of their identity. As Queer people we need to stand by the kids and the allies of these kids (not the false ones) and say this is unacceptable and we won’t let it happen. We have to say we will no longer put up with this bs and take a stand. Thank you for standing with those who need it currently.


  • Nava

    As a trans, queer, omni/gay kid like myself i feel very grateful that this day exists and I get told information about it thanks to pride palace! Happy early pride month!


  • Shelley E Berry

    Thank y’all so much for continuing to spread this knowledge, as the depth of understanding varies widely even within communities of friends and allies. 🌈💙🙏🏽🐎


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