Observed annually on May 17, the theme for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia will be: “At the heart of democracy”…
The theme for the 2026 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (formerly IDAHOT, now recognized as IDAHOBIT) has been announced by the global IDAHOBIT Advisory Committee. “At the heart of democracy” will serve as the 2026 theme, a powerful reminder that the soil of truly democratic societies must be rich in meaningful equity and justice for all, fostering the flourishing of the entire community.
Observed annually on May 17, IDAHOBIT commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. The worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities was initially established to help draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, the media and the public to the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQ+ people all over the world. Since its first iteration in 2005, it has been celebrated in over 155 countries worldwide with more than 5,000 different events bringing together everyone – from grassroots organizations to international human rights bodies.
“No matter where we live, who we are, or the faiths that drive us, most people want to nurture neighbourhoods and communities where every life can flourish. But today, reactionary governments worldwide are poisoning our gardens with the invasive weeds of their authoritarian policies and exclusionary legislations,” the global IDAHOBIT Advisory Committee said in a release. “Time and again, LGBTQIA+ people have resisted these pests, rolled up their sleeves together with all the good people caring about their communities, and sowed the seeds of change. On IDAHOBIT 2026, and every day, you are invited to join in — at the heart of democracy: together, we can prepare the ground for a better future for everyone.”
Canada has a reputation for being a country where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe and accepted, but there are always opportunities to improve even further, especially given the current political climate across North America. Watch for in-person and virtual events happening across the country on May 17 that interpret the theme “At the heart of democracy” in a way that means the most to Canadians. The shared goal—with the help of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies—is to not only bring awareness to the ways discrimination is still affecting the lives of thousands of people, but also expose the ways our society is supporting that discrimination.
For more information on the 2026 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia visit: may17.org.
POST A COMMENT