IDAHOBIT 2022

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)

Established in 2004, it is about raising awareness of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people to drive positive change, and is now celebrated in more than 130 countries around the world.

What is Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia?

Homophobia is a fear or dislike of someone because of prejudice towards, or negative attitudes about, homosexuality or gay people.

Transphobia is a fear or dislike of someone because of prejudice towards, or negative attitudes about, transsexual or transgender people.

Biphobia is a fear or dislike of someone because of prejudice towards, or negative attitudes about, bi people.

Why do we need a day like this?

IDAHOBIT reminds us that there is still a long way to go until all LGBTQ+ people are free and safe from harm.

More than one-third of all countries criminalize same-sex relationships. LGBTQ+ people face prejudice, discrimination, stigma, hostility and violence daily including being denied essential health care, legal protections and human rights.

Although we often see homophobia, biphobia and transphobia as something happening ‘elsewhere’, it is happening closer to home too.  

For example

• In the UK transphobic hate crimes have quadrupled in the last five years, with 4 out of 5 trans people experiencing a transphobic hate crime. 
• Homophobic attacks are also rising with data suggesting that these have risen by 22% in London in the space of one year.
• In a recent survey, 31% of Bi people experienced a hate incident (being insulted, pestered, intimidated or harassed) 

Often many homophobic, transphobic and biphobic incidents occur in social settings like the workspace.

For example

• One in eight trans employees have been physically attacked by a colleague or customer in the last year https://www.stonewall.org.uk/lgbt-britain-trans-report
• Half of trans people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination

Ending hatred and violence against LGBTQ+ persons requires action from us all.

How to support:

Read more about IDAHOBIT in Stonewall’s recent fantastic blog post here

MindOut is a brilliant mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people with multiple free resources - check them out here

Homophobia:

• Learn more about homophobia here 
• Read quick tips on how to be an LGBTQ+ ally here

Transphobia:

• Read about how to be a good trans ally here
• Take a look at Stonewall’s Trans in Britain report here

Biphobia:

• Read about how to be more bi inclusive here
• Great article on tackling biphobia here