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The power of communities… Standing Together for Human Rights!

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This year, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia is centered around the theme “The Power of Communities.” A strong and hopeful message… and above all, a call to action!

Worrying Setbacks

In recent months, the rights of LGBTQI+ people have suffered serious setbacks in several parts of the world. Anti-gender movements are gaining momentum, visibility and influence, leading to an increase in discriminatory policies and acts of violence, particularly against trans people. Homophobic discourse is becoming increasingly normalized, often amplified by influential figures. Simultaneously, global funding for LGBTQ+ initiatives is being reduced or cut entirely, threatening the health, safety, and rights of LGBTQ+ communities.

 

A Collective Response: Resilience and Adaptation

In the face of these attacks, communities are responding with resilience and determination! Long confronted with hostile environments, LGBTQI+ organizations have long demonstrated remarkable adaptability to sustain their efforts in complex situations.

A testament to this resilience can be seen in the Act Together for Inclusion Fund (ACTIF) projects managed by Equitas in collaboration with Dignity Network Canada. In recent weeks, ACTIF partners have swiftly adjusted their projects to respond to heightened risks and the evolving priorities of local communities. Across roughly 25 countries, ACTIF-supported partners have mobilized to address urgent needs, with a clear focus on protecting the safety and well-being of LGBTQI+ people.

 

A Call to Action: United for Human Rights!

For Doug Kerr, Executive Director of Dignity Network Canada, and Odette McCarthy, Executive Director of Equitas, the message on this international day is unmistakable.

“We must unite to defend human rights, because by working together… we can create a more inclusive and more powerful resistance!”

This day is a vital opportunity to strengthen alliances across social justice movements, from trans rights and feminist organizations to reproductive rights advocates and broader human rights groups. Uniting for human rights– that is the power of our communities!

What is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia?

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) was established in 2004 to raise awareness of the the violence and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and people and with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

Notably, in Canada, this day was marked as early as 2003 at the invitation of Fondation Émergence, one year before it became a global initiative.

The date, May 17, was chosen to commemorate a landmark decision by the World Health Organization. On this day in 1990, homosexuality was officially removed from the International Classification of Diseases. Since then, homosexuality is no longer considered a mental illness.

Today, IDAHOBIT is observed in over 130 countries– including 37 where same-sex acts remain criminalised– making it a powerful global movement for visibility, advocacy, and solidarity.

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