May 17th represents a fundamental day in the calendar of any conscious and committed person. This day marks the International Day Against Homophobia (also Lesbophobia), Transphobia and Biphobia. During this day, the acts of discrimination, violence and repression suffered by homosexual, transsexual and bisexual people around the world are denounced, as well as actions that […]
May 17th represents a fundamental day in the calendar of any conscious and committed person.
This day marks the International Day Against Homophobia (also Lesbophobia), Transphobia and Biphobia. During this day, the acts of discrimination, violence and repression suffered by homosexual, transsexual and bisexual people around the world are denounced, as well as actions that promote their rights through dialogue with the media, authorities and civil society.
Why May 17?
This day was chosen because it was on May 17th, 1990 when the World Health Organization (WHO) eliminated homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses.
Since then, different movements and associations from all over the world have bet on the commemoration of this day, but it was not until 2005 when it was celebrated for the first time.
Initially, the date only included discrimination for homosexuality, but shortly after, in 2009, transsexuality was also included and, finally, in 2015, bisexuality was incorporated.
The aversion and rejection towards people who express themselves, feel and love in a different way to the established norm has caused them to be included in the commemoration and to be visible as existing phobias.
They have also led to the celebration of other days in honor of these parts of the rainbow, such as the transgender day of visibility or the international lesbian visibility day.
Still needed
To the shame of society, both homophobia and transphobia or biphobia (as well as many other phobias linked to the identity, condition, orientation or expression of gender) are still very present day by day.
Although there have been advances in many states in terms of rights, respect and freedom to be oneself, there are many people who suffer the consequences of these phobias. In at least 71 countries of the world, homosexual relations are criminalized, persecuted, punished and even murdered with the death penalty.
The LGBTIQ + people who live in these countries are those who without doubt most feel the weight of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Even in countries like Spain, Germany or United Kingdom, apparently advanced in the field of LGBTIQ + rights, homophobic attacks have increased markedly.
In fact, according to sources in El Diario, LGBTIQ + people report an average of 50 cases a month of violence and discrimination due to homophobia, transphobia or biphobia.
In 2018, there were 345 assaults due to discrimination in the Community of Madrid. In Barcelona, the first quarter of 2019 already increased by 50% the complaints of harassment and aggression against LGBTIQ + persons with respect to the same period of the previous year.
Not only are there more and more cases of violence against LGBTIQ+ people, but also the profile of the aggressor is getting younger. People who have grown up in countries prone to freedom and respect, maintain intrinsic attitudes and ways of thinking linked to fear or hate.
This makes it necessary and very important to make visible and continue fighting on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia so that, someday, in no corner of the planet, no one will be humiliated, insulted, beaten and even killed by sexual condition, gender identity or gender expression.
While that day arrives, unfortunately, the fight against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia continues. It must be constant and growing stronger so that it reaches ever stronger magnitudes making the message of freedom and love shine.