The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
As part of the LGBT rights calendar, May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) Commemoration. Launched in 2004, the International Day Against Homophobia is now a global occasion to educate and raise awareness. Moreover, the day focuses onadvocating for positive, openpublic policies regarding LGBT people. For decades, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) shows support for all communities, celebrating diversity.
Marking a sea change, the dateof this observance was chosen to mirrorMay 17, 1990. On that day, it is realistic to say thatthe World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) woke up. Indeed, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD 10), which no longer listed homosexuality as a diagnosis, becomes theaccepted standard.
Catching on widely as an international opportunity, the International Day Against Homophobia is a day of activism and support. Thus, groups and organizations commemorate the day by raising awareness and seeking further reform.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia Website
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia website features a variety of innovativeaction ideas for groups to take, including many planned for 2021. Moreover, the website provides reports that detail a wide range of activities from years past. By coordinating international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations, the goal is to create a lasting solidarity in the greater community.
Rather than promote a centralized campaign, the founders believe in global mobilization of diverse groups and organizations. Therefore, the acronyms used worldwide vary from the initial IDAHO to IDAHOTB (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia)and IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia). Collectively managed by both regional and thematic networks, the goal is“to advance the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.”
Harvey Milk Day and the International Day Against Homophobia
When we reduce the title of the “International Day Against Homophobia,” it is being done because of spatial limitations. Indeed, TTC understands the importance of removing all forms of prejudice and discrimination. Also, someone else who would have celebrated this day is Harvey Milk.
Less than a week after the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Harvey Milk Day is commemorated on May 22nd. A politician and gay rights activist, Milk was assassinated in San Francisco on November 27, 1978. Thus, this day celebrates the birth of this heroic American. As an elected member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Harvey Milk one of the first pro-LGBT politicians. In a powerful movie entitled Milk,Gus Van Sant directed Sean Penn in an award winning performance as Harvey Milk.
Without a doubt, Harvey Milk would commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with a smile. Indeed, he would be so proud to see how far 21st century activism has taken the cause he championed. However, he also would see that there is still a long way to go.
Tarzana Treatment Centers Continues to Lead the Way
At Tarzana Treatment Centers, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia goes beyond individual discrimination. In addition, institutional prejudice needs to be addressed. In the treatment industry, such issues cannot prevent people from accessing the help they need. Indeed, as it states in a position paper on our website, “Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. (TTC) stands unequivocally in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI@-S) Community.”
Therefore, discrimination within and outside of the healthcare system must be called out. Such discriminatory tactics, whether conscious or unconscious, negativelyimpacts health outcomes. Thus, we need to always do our best to protect the right of individuals. Indeed, every employee of greater organizations are accountable.