31 years ago – on May 17, 1990 – the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

This marks the inception of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), celebrated on May 17. The day celebrates LGBTQIA+ people globally and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination. Below are a few statics highlighting why IDAHOBIT still remain a significant cause, to this day.

• 75% of LGBTQIA+ youth experience some form of discrimination
• 77% of Trans & Gender Diverse people report being discriminated against in the past 12 months
• 35% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months
• 33% of LGBTQIA+ people have experienced depression in the past 12 months compared to 6.2% of the general population having experienced depression in the past 12 months (source: IDAHOBIT.org.au, 2021)

Recognising discrimination is crucial, like homophobia, biphobia, interphobia, and transphobia can occur online, face to face and affect everyone. As sexuality, gender identity and intersex status are often not visible, therefore creating a culture where everyone can feel safe and thrive is even more important.