IDAHOBIT is coming up in the middle of May.
The acronym might not roll off the tongue, but it’s a day of action that should be marked in the calendar of every queer person and ally across the US and beyond.
Especially now, as our community suffers new and reemerging challenges, it’s important to celebrate the rights and freedoms that have been so hard won. IDAHOBIT is the day to do this, as we also work to fight the many ongoing battles faced by the LQBTQIA+ community.
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus works tirelessly to lift every member of the community and amplify all our voices. This was true when the chorus was formed over four decades ago, and it remains true today.
What is IDAHOBIT?
Celebrated every year since 2005, IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. Sometimes, the name is expanded to include intersexphobia or modified to include lesbiphobia. Fighting both of these is well within the remit and core aims of IDAHOBIT.
Every International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, the international LGBTQIA community and its supporters work together to raise awareness around human rights, gender identity issues, and the many interconnected, ongoing international fights against discrimination of all kinds.
From public hearings in Brazil to rainbow flag parades in Spain, Ramadan iftars in Jordan, and a complete program of events at the UN in New York City, IDAHOBIT is celebrated worldwide. It’s a day for protest, progress, and celebration.
When is IDAHOBIT?
IDAHOBIT is held on May 17th every year. The date remains constant no matter what day of the week it falls on because 17th May symbolizes hope for the LGBTQ+ community everywhere. It’s a date that proves positive change is possible because of its history.
Why May 17th?
On the 17th of May 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10).
While homosexuality remains illegal in many countries and homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and intersexphobia remain real and present issues, the WHO’s 1990 decision was a watershed moment for the queer community.
IDAHOBIT offers a chance for members of that community to work together to promote equality and acceptance and raise awareness of the struggles they still face. Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, people are part of a wider struggle for equality and acceptance everywhere.
As a day designed around grass roots lobbying and decentralized action, IDAHOBIT is open to everyone. If you want to mark it, organize an event, or participate in something happening locally, you can be a part of the movement.
IDAHOBIT is everyone’s opportunity to celebrate diversity and center the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
The History of IDAHOBIT
Although it was first officially celebrated in 2005 and commemorated the WHO’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from the ICD-10, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia has deep roots in history.
Its DNA can be traced back to the late ’80s and early ’90s, when LGBTQ+ activists were focused on protesting against the discrimination, violence, and political and medical othering faced by members of their community.
From 2004-2005, the IDAHO committee pushed for May 17th to be recognized as a day of grass roots action for LGBTQIA+ rights.
The first official IDAHOBIT was held on May 17th, 2005. At the time, the day was known as ‘IDAHO’, or the International Day Against Homophobia. Over the following years, the title was adjusted to be more inclusive.
May 17th became IDAHOT, including trans rights explicitly in its fight, and then IDAHOBIT. Now, IDAHOBIT is understood to be a day dedicated to the rights of all people under the broad and welcoming LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
Despite name changes, the core message of IDAHOBIT has remained the same; events held on May 17th aim to raise awareness of issues faced by the queer community and push for greater equality, acceptance, and inclusivity across society. It’s a chance to address the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community at a local, national, or international level. This flexibility comes from how the day of action is planned and managed.
No longer organized by a central committee, IDAHOBIT encourages grass roots networks around the globe to take action in whatever way they can. As a collectively-managed event, it is designed to empower groups of all sizes to create change.
What is the Official Theme of IDAHOBIT 2023?
The theme of the upcoming 2023 IDAHOBIT is “Together always: united in diversity”.
This theme was chosen in consultation with LGBTQIA+ groups from around the world. As an open invitation to togetherness and community, “Together always: united in diversity” allows for the celebration of human rights defenders, a continued and unified fight for queer rights everywhere, the inclusion of community, and space for allies to join the movement.
As we continue to fight for acceptance across the spectrum of gender and sexuality, and the rights we thought were already secure appear to be in increasing jeopardy, working together is more important than ever.
As a worldwide movement, we may not be able to gather together in the literal sense, but we are connected by a shared mission and a belief that the world could and will be a better place for LGTQIA+ people.
Wherever you are, however, you’re fighting for a better world, and we’re united in our mission.
IDAHOBIT Celebrations Around San Francisco Bay Area
Of course, if you happen to be in the Bay Area, you can mark IDAHOBIT with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.
The SFGMC stands with queer people and their allies around the world against homophobia, biphobia, interphobia, and transphobia.
The history of the chorus is steeped in activism, action, and community building. These days, our mission to combat bigotry through the power of music is carried out from the Chan National Performing Arts Center in the queer heart of San Francisco– The Castro District.
We welcome anyone into the chorus irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity, or race. All that matters is a passion for music and the ability to sing in tenor or base range. The SFGMC holds community outreach events throughout the year, as well as RHYTHM, our LGBTQIA+ inclusive elementary, middle, and high school music education program.
To stay up to date with SFGMC performances, community action, and plans for IDAHOBIT, join our newsletter today. Become a part of our community and help us change the world for the better this May 17th and every other day of the year too.