See how you can mark IDAHOBIT by resisting, supporting and healing - together!
Published Monday, 17th May, 2021 in University news
Today, Monday 17th May, marks IDAHOBIT – The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia. The importance of this date recognises the decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.
IDAHOBIT was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
Due to the recent challenges the world has faced this past year this year’s theme is “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!”.
Paulina Samasova, LGBTQ+ Liberation Officer and President of the LGBTQ+ society 2020/21 says:
As of this year, we have been put into an impossible situation of studying online and providing support for all the students at City. The LGBTQ+ community was hit especially as students, instead of enjoying their student life and searching for their true self, were still stuck at home, possibly in a toxic, non-supportive environment. Let’s celebrate IDAHOBIT with sharing information about the LGBTQ+ community, educating people and reminding everyone that equality is an inalienable human right
Events taking place in the UK
Given IDAHOBIT is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, there are events happening across the globe. You can find recommended events within the UK or elsewhere on IDAHOBIT’s official website.
While you may have missed some events, some take place after Monday 17th May or are available to view online such as:
The importance of self-care on IDAHOBIT 2021 – GenderGP
There are many pressures and challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community and this livestream event focuses on developing techniques to help navigate these – whether it’s taking charge of your gender journey or turning off social media for a few days.
Today, akt also launched their two week virtual pride online festival with informative, interactive and empowering events from across the lgbtq+ community which continues until Friday 28th May.
Support available at City
If you ever find yourself being faced with negative behavior due to your sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or sex characteristics we encourage students to seek out support through community or official channels.
Students can join the Student Union’s LGBTQ+ society which provides an inclusive space for members to make friends and represent the views and interests of LGBTQ+ students. If you attend the Business School you can also join their equivalent society, or even both!
If you are struggling with your mental health, sexuality or gender identity and feel like you need to speak to a professional you can contact the Counselling, Mental Health and Accessibility team at City or make use of the Togetherall platform.
Additionally, you can find external LGBT+ specialist support organisations the University recommends including counselling, anti-violence and housing support.
We encourage students to report any instances of bullying, harassment and abuse throughout their time at City. You can confidentially report issues through our ‘You Report. We Support’ tool.