International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO)  

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is celebrated 17 May on each year.

The international day against homophobia aims to coordinate international events to call respect for lesbians and gays world-wide. Unlike the LGBT Pride Day, which is meant to emphasise proudness of one's sexuality and refusal to be ashamed of it, IDAHO is held to highlight: "... that in reality it is homophobia that is shameful and must be deconstructed in its social logic and fought against openly."

Entitled Homosexuality is not a sickness! this new campaign aims to reach healthcare workers as a priority. it was on a May 17 that the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. Unfortunately, though, prejudice is deep-rooted since some people still think that being gay or lesbian is a mental disorder while others mistakenly believe that homosexuality can be “cured”.

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In 75 countries being gay is still a crime.

Is homosexuality a question of nature or nurture? Are we born with our sexual orientation or do we become gay, lesbian, bisexual depending on our experiences, on education or influences? Several researchers have tried to find an explanation for homosexuality. For example, numerous studies have been conducted on this subject. Different theories have been put forward although there’s no general opinion. Regardless of such theories, we say for sure there is agreement on the facts that people cannot choose their sexual orientation.

Few minority groups have been as discriminated against as the gays and lesbians. But major breakthroughs have occurred, and homosexual people are stepping out of the shadows. From the outside, it could be construed that all problems have been solved. The media are sympathetic, public personalities come out, television shows feature lesbian and gay characters in scenes of everyday life. Nevertheless, the reality is quite different. Many individuals are unable to live their sexual orientation, encounter difficulties if they do, or end up role-playing to protect themselves.

Despite these dire situations, the implementation of the International Day Against Homophobia should not rest on a “victimization“ philosophy. In fact, the Day may be seen as a great opportunity to highlight positive aspects of homosexuality and celebrate the contribution of lesbians and gays to society.

Homophobia is an insidious process that channels its effects through subtle, usually transparent ways. No one is safe from hostile manifestations to homosexuality. Quite surprisingly, many homosexual individuals themselves adopt homophobic behaviour, hoping it would protect them against prejudice from their entourage. The International Day Against Homophobia aims to reach all groups of society, regardless of their sexual orientation.

An International Day Against Homophobia belongs to no one individual. It’s about all people hoping for a prejudice-free world that can provide a place at the table for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Inspired by all world theme-days, the day set aside to fight homophobia needs to be appropriated by all of those actively involved in civil society: gay and lesbian community organisations, those organisations focusing on other types of sexual diversity, unions, employers, private businesses, governments, public administration, professional associations, and all individuals seeking equality.

Here are a few simple ways and other examples of how to participate:

• Parents
  It's the right moment to let their children know that from now on slurs such as “fag(got)”, “dike”, “homo” and any other derogatory remarks toward gays and lesbians will no longer be tolerated at home and that they will have to eliminate these words once and for all from their vocabulary out of respect for gays and lesbians and their immediate families.
• Libraries
  Clearly displaying books on homophobia.
• Employers
  To set up programs against homophobia in the workplace.
• Trade unions
  To organize awareness activities in the workplace.
• Community groups
  To heighten awareness among their constituencies.
• Broadcasters
  To present special reports and documentaries on the subject.
• Newspapers
  To publish reports and in-depth articles on the subject.
• Radio station
  To call upon artists and personalities to speak on the subject, and to play songs about tolerance.
• Internet diffusers
  To take out or to refuse any homophobic content.
• Gays and lesbians who wish to do so
  To “come out” of the closet.
• Legislators, governments, municipalities and school boards
  To approve a motion in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, and to make a commitment to fight homophobia. Download the draft for proposed motion (Word).
• The general public
  To make a symbolic gesture.