IDAHOBIT – International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
A worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversity
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is a global moment of solidarity and action for LGBTI individuals and communities, observed every year on 17 May.
It brings together individuals, organisations, and governments to reaffirm collective commitment to the rights, dignity, safety, and freedom of LGBTI people worldwide, draw attention to the ongoing discrimination and violence they face, and mobilise action.
Anyone can organise an event or initiative in their own way, under the shared global theme. IDAHOBIT is a decentralised global mobilisation, from the grassroots to the international halls of power!
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Why May 17?
The date marks the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. The IDAHO Committee, as it was originally called, was created in 2004. The following year, communities in dozens of countries observed the first International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).
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Impact
Every year, individuals, organisations, and multilateral institutions observe IDAHOBIT in at least in 155 countries and territories, including 35 where consensual same-sex sexual acts are still criminalised. We document thousands of related initiatives worldwide each year.
The day has received official recognition from several States, the European Parliament, and countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the day with specific events.
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The role of ILGA World
IDAHOBIT is a decentralised global initiative, and no single organisations owns or controls it. The IDAHOBIT Advisory Group brings together global, regional, and national organisations and networks, and makes key strategic decisions — including the theme of the year’s celebrations.
Since January 2023, ILGA World has coordinated the Advisory Group and hosted its secretariat, developing global outreach, documentation, and resources on its behalf.
Latest news about IDAHOBIT
- Opinion
Disillusioned about democracy? Think of it as a community garden
In 2026, the world celebrates IDAHOBIT on May 17 under the theme "At the heart of democracy". Because all of us deserve a space where we can feel safe and thrive
- Press releases & statements
May 17, IDAHOBIT: Global day celebrates sexual and gender diversity at the heart of democracy
This year's International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) will remind everyone that societies can flourish only when there is genuine equity and justice for all
- Press releases & statements
IDAHOBIT 2026 theme announced: “At the heart of democracy”
Developed through extensive consultations with regional and global LGBTQIA+ networks worldwide, the 2026 IDAHOBIT theme serves as a powerful reminder that the soil of truly democratic societies must be rich in meaningful equity and justice for all