May 17: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
by Laura Woodhouse // 9 April 2009, 18:14
May 17 will mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia:
It was founded by Louis Georges Tin in 2005. Campaigns and inititives take place on or around May 17th every year to combat prejudice against LGBT people. May 17th is chosen because it marks the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental diseases.
This year's theme is 'End Transphobia: Respect Gender Identity'. The organisers are encouraging supporters to ask their MP to sign this EDM to decriminalise homosexuality and end gender identity discrimination around the world. They will also be launching an appeal against transphobia and for the respect of gender identity. You can find out more here.
Others have organised a 'silent revolution' of same sex handholding, entitled A Day In Hand:
You know the amazing feeling you get when you see 2 guys or 2 girls holding hands?Imagine if we saw and felt that magic everyday. This campaign aims to ENCOURAGE and SUPPORT same-sex couples who want to hold their partner's hand in public.
More here.
You can keep updated with events planned on and around the day by checking the IDAHO website here.
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David Abstract // Posted 11 April 2009 at 19:47
I have to say the only feeling I get when I see two people holding hands, in any gender combination is resentment.
Smug bloody couples - hate them!
Still everyone should be able to hold hands in public with the person they love (without fear of being attacked) and if I had any friends I'd be happy to hold hands in solidarity.
Q // Posted 15 April 2009 at 02:07
I'm in Gay-Straight Alliance at school [in the U.S. but I don't think that detracts from what I'm saying] and had no idea about this. I can't wait to tell people at schol so maybe we can bring atention to the issue. I don't know if this is in the U.k too, but we're having a Day of Silence on friday April 17th. It's a national event where people don't speak for a day to bring attention to the fact that most GBTLQ people can't speak out about who they are because people are too judmental and sometimes harass people for their sexuality. dayofsilence.org if you want more info
David Watkins // Posted 01 May 2009 at 22:50
Yes please tell your gay- straight alliance. We need more pics from the US of public same-sex hand holding.
David
Founder
A Day In Hand