Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
IDAHOBIT is celebrated every year on 17 May to commemorate the date in 1990 that the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a disease. The theme this year is “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!” and was chosen to mark the challenges that the past year has brought upon all of us.
The University is committed to an inclusive environment free from homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. To mark the event, we are flying the Rainbow flag on Highfield Campus today and tomorrow. The School of Electronics and Computer Science and the Pulse LGBT+ staff network have run joint events to mark IDAHOBIT since 2018 and this year is no different. There will be stalls on Jubilee Plaza between 12:00 and 15:00 on Tuesday 18 May, so if you’re on campus, why not drop by and collect a free goodie bag!
The first event was celebrated in 2005 as IDAHO, International Day Against Homophobia, with transphobia joining in 2009 and biphobia being added in 2015. The day is now celebrated in over 130 countries.
If you or someone you know experiences homophobia, biphobia or transphobia at the University, either on campus or in relation to your studies or work, then you can report it via Report and Support. Staff and students can use this new tool report any acts of harassment, discrimination or hate during their studies or at work. It will help us to keep track of the numbers of cases, and you can access support from an advisor or Harassment Contact. If you have been attacked anywhere in the UK because of your perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, then you can report a hate crime to the Police or online.
