The Path To Equality: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, And Biphobia

If you’re an LGBTQIA+ youth or young adult in crisis, reach out to The Trevor Project hotline by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting “START” to 678-678. You can also use their online chat. 

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) typically occurs each year on May 17 to bring attention to the violence and discrimination that those within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, and more community (LGBTQIA+) may face around the world. In 2023, the theme of IDAHOBIT is “Together Always: United in Diversity”. 

Whether you’re an ally or part of the community, there can be many ways to celebrate and stand up for LGBTQIA+ rights this year. Online therapy can be a helpful resource for those in the community and their allies. 

What is the international day against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia?

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is an annual celebration of diverse sexual and gender identities that takes place on May 17 and is often celebrated in more than 130 countries. It was developed in 2004 after extensive consultation with international LGBTQIA+ organizations. The aims of this global campaign can include the following: 

• Reducing violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex individuals
• Spreading awareness of gender and sexuality diversity
• Bringing together international organizations for a single cause
• Sharing news about LGBTQIA+ rights in countries around the world 
• Increasing initiatives to keep LGBTQ+ people safe in their home countries

May 17 was likely chosen as the date for IDAHOBIT to recognize the World Health Organization’s decision on May 17, 1990, to stop classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder.  

How to celebrate this day as an ally

If you are not part of the LGBTQIA+ community but are looking for ways to celebrate IDAHOBIT this year as an ally, consider the following suggestions: 

• Share books, videos, movies, and ideas from LGBTQIA+ influencers, celebrities, and creators.
• Write to or call your local government officials to urge them to support policies that protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Attend protests with your LGBTQIA+ friends and family members.
• Listen to and support those in the LGBTQIA+ community trying to make changes, and try to amplify their voices. 
• Read books and articles about present-day issues within the LGBTQIA+ community. 
• Educate yourself on the mental health challenges of those within the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Share posts from LGBTQIA+ activists on social media.
• Add printable media to your place of work, desk, or local bulletin boards with educational material about LGBTQIA+ rights.
• Donate to an LGBTQIA+ organization or non-profit in your area and/or internationally.
• Learn the laws in your state regarding LGBTQIA+ rights to adopt, marry, immigrate, have children, be legally recognized as a parent, receive services, move, work, rent, and receive healthcare.
• Use the correct pronouns and names for trans and non-binary individuals. 
• Register to vote.

Taking time to educate yourself can be an important step in trying to understand the challenges of a community you’re not a part of. 

How  to celebrate this day as an LGBTQIA+ individual 

If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and looking to celebrate IDAHOBIT this year, there are many ways you can do so, including the following: 

• Attend an official IDAHOBIT event in your area.
• Organize an event for IDAHOBIT and register it on their website.
• Attend a protest, activist rally, or community organization effort focused on LGBTQIA+ rights.
• Share your art, writing, or perspective concerning current events.
• Write to or call your local government officials and urge them to pass policies that protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. 
• Read news about LGBTQIA+ rights in other countries and how you can help those abroad. 
• Share what makes you feel proud about your identity with those in your life.
• Ask for support from a therapist or doctor if you’re experiencing challenges with your mental or physical health.
• Volunteer for an LGBTQIA+ non-profit in your area.
• Register to vote.
• Support a local gay or lesbian bar or queer community space.
• Practice self-care. 

The path to equality: Mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are generally at a higher risk of experiencing mental illness, especially depression and anxiety. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals can be twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition. Trans individuals can be nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a mental health condition. With this in mind, one important focus area for IDAHOBIT is often mental health. 

Trans and non-binary mental health

As detailed by the ACLU, there may have been a record number of bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights in the past few years advancing in U.S. state legislatures. In 2023, the ACLU may be tracking more than 450 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S. Many of these bills can especially attack trans and non-binary individuals. A few types of bills that have been proposed may include the following: 

• Restricting access to employers, businesses, and hospitals for trans and non-binary adults
• Censoring or limiting access to LGBTQIA+ media and events
• Banning certain affirming healthcare for trans youth, including but not limited to gender-affirming surgery and hormone therapy 
• Blocking insurance coverage of healthcare for trans individuals
• Preventing trans students from participating in school sports

In 13 countries, there may be specific laws that criminalize trans people, though a recent report found that there could be de facto criminalization of trans people under laws in 37 countries. 

These laws can severely impact the mental health of transgender youth and adults worldwide. For instance, studies show that hormone therapy and other gender-affirming healthcare may decrease depression and anxiety in trans people. Research led by the Stanford University School of Medicine also found that trans individuals who started hormone treatment in adolescence may be less likely to have suicidal thoughts and substance use disorders in some cases. 

Gay and lesbian mental health

As noted by the American Psychiatric Association, LGBTQ individuals can be 2.5 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders compared to heterosexual individuals. 

Other studies have found that gay men may also be at a higher risk for mood disorders and suicidal thoughts than heterosexual men. They may also face barriers to receiving mental health treatment due to a stigma against men seeking mental health support. 

Studies on lesbian mental health can be limited compared to other parts of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, one study found that lesbians and bisexual women often experienced more emotional stress as teens than did heterosexual women, and that lesbians and bisexual women who were not out could be more likely to have had a suicide attempt compared to heterosexual women. Other studies have found that internalized homophobia can be associated with a high risk of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.

According to Human Rights Watch, at least 67 countries may have national laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults, with punishments ranging from fines to life in prison and even the death penalty. These types of punishment, anti-LGBT laws, fear of hate crime, and a need to hide one’s identity can be causes of PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health challenges.

Bisexual mental health

Bisexuality has also been associated with mental health risks unique to the bisexual population. Bisexual individuals may be at risk of homophobia or biphobia, which can cause feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, stress, and other adverse outcomes. Research shows that bisexual individuals can be more likely to hide their identity compared to gay men or lesbian women, potentially resulting in anxiety disorders. The same research has found that bisexual women can be nearly 21 times more likely than heterosexual women to experience thoughts of suicide. 

Biphobia can be a significant challenge, and it can exist both within the LGBTQIA+ community and outside of it. These stigmas can be harmful, invalidating, and lead to a lack of understanding about what bisexual people experience. 

How to cope with homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia 

If you’re experiencing any form of homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, or a threat to your rights as an LGBTQIA+ individual, below are a few tips for coping with these challenges and finding support. 

Ensure your safety

Ensuring your safety can be crucial for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and when rights are under attack or stripped away, it can feel difficult to know where to turn. There are a few resources you can use to help ensure your safety, including the following: 

• The Trevor Project: A non-profit organization for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults that offers a free hotline and online chat, as well as an online community
• The Human Rights Campaign (HRC): An organization fighting for international mobilization against attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community
• The ACLU: An organization fighting on a legal level for equal rights in the U.S. on a range of issues
• GLAAD: A media advocacy organization offering many resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• The Bisexual Resource Center: A non-profit dedicated to bisexual rights and the fight against biphobia worldwide.
• Lambda Legal: An organization fighting for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in courtrooms around the U.S.

Ask for support

If you have people you love and trust in your life, consider reaching out to them for support. These can include friends, family members, chosen family, therapists, social workers, teachers, spiritual leaders, and mentors. It can be challenging to face anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and feel that your identity puts you at risk. If you’re looking for further support, you can also call the 211 hotline to find local resources in the U.S. 

Join a supportive group 

Many communities have LGBTQIA+ community centers or groups you can join. Joining a positive, uplifting group or community can help you meet others who share your identity and find solidarity in your experiences. In addition, these groups may have information about local resources and support options for further help. You might also be able to attend events year-round and make new friends. If you do not have a group like this in your area, you can consider joining an online community through a social media site or forum.  

Practice self-care 

Self-care can refer to any activity that benefits your mental or physical health, and it can be essential for those in the LGTBQIA+ community as the effects of things like homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia may take a serious toll on your well-being. Taking time out of your day to focus on your needs may also help you reduce stress related to current events or news you might be exposed to.  

A few ways you can practice self-care can include the following: 

• Take a hot bath or shower 
• Spend time in nature
• Sing to your favorite songs
• Play an instrument
• Spend time with friends
• Set boundaries with others to protect your well-being
• Create art or writing that reflects your pride in your identity
• Meditate or practice mindfulness 
• Take time alone when you need it to recharge 
• Get a massage 
• Play with your pets

Consider therapy

Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and experiencing things like homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’d like additional support, consider seeking help from a therapist. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals may find online therapy an appealing option due to the ability to attend counseling from the comfort of home. 

Through platforms like BetterHelp or PrideCounseling, you can also specify that you’re looking for an LGBTQIA+ therapist or individual so you can meet with someone from your own community. 

Studies have backed up the effectiveness of online therapy. For instance, one study examined the effectiveness of online therapy for depression symptoms, and it found that most participants experienced significant improvements in depression. Plus, 71% of participants found online therapy more effective than in-person therapy. 

Takeaway 

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia can bring awareness to the impacts of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and bigotry worldwide. If you’re impacted by these dynamics, you may benefit from participating in events and groups near you, leaning on loved ones for support, practicing self-care, or reaching out to a therapist in person or online. You’re not alone, and support is available.