By Helen G | 16 May 2008, 08:06

Tomorrow, Saturday 17th May, marks the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). This particular date was chosen because it marks the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. If only homophobia could be removed in the same way. Unfortunately, despite some comparatively enlightened UK legislation to oppose homophobia (as in hate speech, hate crime and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation), prejudice and discrimination still exists both in this country and elsewhere.

In a recent piece here at The Bilerico Project, Kate Allen (Director of Amnesty International UK) posted some disturbing and upsetting statistics to illustrate the prevalence of homophobia in Britain today. For example, "two thirds of lesbian and gay schoolchildren have experienced homophobic bullying - an astonishing 17% of which were death threats."

Figures like this demonstrate just how much work still needs to be done on the subject of homophobia in all its manifestations throughout society.

Click here to see the 2008 events listings on the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) website.

(Cross-posted at bird of paradox)

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