Thousands of initiatives in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex relationships are illegal
Since 2005, May 17th has been celebrated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, commemorating the removal of homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses by the World Health Organization (WHO) , an event that occurred in 1990, just 32 years ago.
The global celebration of this date was initially coordinated by the Paris-based IDAHO Committee, although it is now managed collectively thanks to "collaboration between regional and thematic networks working to promote the rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions and sex characteristics. This collaboration brings together organizations and initiatives at the global, regional, national and local levels," according to the celebration's website.
Its purpose is "to draw attention to the violence and discrimination suffered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions of sex and gender."
To mark this celebration, thousands of initiatives are planned in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia has received official recognition from several states, international institutions such as the European Parliament, and countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.