International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is on May 17 every year; a date selected to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

IDAHOBIT, alongside other important LGBTQ+ awareness days, helps to draw attention to the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ communities. It is also a day where we reflect on the progress and the many great strides forward that have been made for our rights. Sadly, hate crime remains an issue in society and crimes related to sexual orientation and gender identity continue to be committed. In 2023 IDAHOBIT is still very much needed.

The theme of IDAHOBIT 2023 was “Together Always, United in Diversity”. It is an important call to action for all of us to create welcoming and inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. IDAHOBIT provides the opportunity for us to reach beyond our own community, to share experiences of hate crime, and collaborate with everyone in building a safer, more supportive and cohesive society.

Ham & High: Tessa Havers-Strong and forum participated in IDAHOBIT dayTessa Havers-Strong and forum participated in IDAHOBIT day (Image: forum+)

forum+ was proud to be participate in International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. On the day itself we hosted an online event and across the whole week we engaged in action and education to raise awareness of hate crime, to encourage reporting, to remember those we have lost and to support those who need our ongoing support.

It is our mission is to challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at all levels in society and tackle the inequalities and barriers faced by LGBTQ+ communities. We work across Camden and Islington to raise awareness of hate crime and provides services to victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime, discrimination and stigma.

If you are a victim of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic harassment or hate crime please contact forum+ to report a crime and for support. Find out more about our hate crime services on our website: forumplus.org.uk/services/ For further information on IDAHOBIT please visit May17.org

To stay up to date with all our upcoming community engagement please email info@forumplus.org.uk and follow forum+ social media (twitter.com/forumplus), (facebook.com/forumplus), (instagram.com/forumplus)

Tessa Havers-Strong is director at director forum+