May 17 marks each year since 2004 the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (“IDAHO”) around the world. In over 100 countries on all continents, activists and their allies are mobilizing.
1.5 billion people still live under regimes that deny the simple right to love. 45 million people, the size of the population of Spain, are considered criminals under these laws.
This year, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon will join the mobilizations for the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia with a statement for the International IDAHO Conference taking place in The Hague, in presence of HM the Queen of the Netherlands. Full list of events and suggestions for taking last minute action at www.dayagainsthomophobia.org
The mobilization for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this year confirms that May 17 has become an annual landmark for the defense of Human Rights, as LGBT activists and their allies mark this date around the globe.
This mobilization includes:
Says Joel Bedos, Executive Director of the IDAHO Committee, the organisation promoting the Day worldwide : “the mobilization shows just how universal the fight for freedom and basic Human Rights is. Today, there are still 78 countries in which same-sex relationships are illegal.”
“Although the world has made progress in relative terms, the actual number of people concerned by these laws is almost the same as in 1950, and today there are still 1.5 billion people who live under direct risk of criminal sanctions for same-sex relations. If we agree with the consensual figure of 3% of any population having a predominant emotional and sexual attraction to someone of the same sex, then we are talking about 45 million people whose love is illegal. That’s the population of Spain!”
“And even if the decriminalization of homosexuality was to continue at the same pace it did since the 50’s, it still would be totally completed globally only in … 2040 !”
Around the world, hundreds of activists have unleashed their imagination to press their governments for change. This year, a special focus has been placed on staging ‘Rainbow Flashmobs’. In total, actions which connect with the “IDAHO Global Rainbow Flashmob” have been confirmed in 49 different countries. As part of this, multi-colour dance flashmobs will happen through the streets of Nairobi and Bangkok, a “rainbow bubble” action is scheduled in Japan, and street parades are happening in Jakarta, Havanna and Managua !
Amongst these, a special video “The Riddle” was released yesterday (May 14) by the United Nations’ Commissioner for Human Rights to mark the Day. Still from the UN, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will deliver an address during a major Europe-wide conference organised by the Government of the Netherlands, in presence of HM the Queen and bringing together major stakeholders in European and Global politics.
Meanwhile Pop icon Mika will headline the giant concert organised for IDAHO in Paris, on May 21st.
On the other side of the Altantic, Washington D.C’s National Cathedral will be hosting an event which will bring key faith leaders together to discuss how progressive religious voices contribute to fighting homophobia. Similar events calling on the positive power of religions will happen in an additional 11 countries.
Says a Kenyan community activist, “The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia creates an opportunity for all to celebrate the courage of the thousands of people who pursue the thought of Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of committed and thoughtful citizens can change the world ! And day after day, this is what we do !”
Everyone should know this … this should be part of primary schooling IMO
may 17th IDAHO
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
I think this is one of the best xDDD
This is how any organisation is dependent upon its environment perhaps ;)
Defining Mental Health It is a testament to the distracted and confused nature of the modern cultures that the concept of what constitutes Mental Health has been lost. Setting aside the modern poli…
Defined, because the establisment says it is too complicated … really ? took me ten minutes !
“mental health is …
The ability of the mind to manage trauma,
whether that trauma be physical, emotional, chemical, or perceptual.”
Found this floating around on the internets. It made me chuckle, so here it is.
To Correct a misguided meme out there …
Nuff Said !
(Source: ksfp, via friendlyatheist)