International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT) - 17th
Wednesday 17th May marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT). The day serves as an annual reminder of the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQI+ people locally, nationally, and internationally and is marked in over 130 countries. The theme of this year’s IDAHoBiT is ‘Together Always: United in Diversity’. The theme allows for advocacy and celebrations in many forms – whether you’re part of a human rights organisation, an LGBT+ network or an ally looking to raise awareness.
17th May marks the anniversary of when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1990. It constitutes an annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the stigma and discrimination faced by those who identify as LGBT+ in the world today.
The University recognises IDAHoBiT and the importance of raising awareness, promoting visibility and tackling injustices, for those who aren't able to be out about their sexual orientation and gender identity, due to the difficult experiences that the LGBTQI+ community has been through and are still going through. To mark the day the Rainbow Pride Flag will be flown outside St Paul’s Hall.
Why is there an IDAHoBiT?
IDAHoBiT is a reminder that although LGBTQI+ representation is increasing, and many more individuals are feeling safer to be more open and visible about their identities, hate crimes are also increasing and LGBTQI+ individuals still face barriers daily.
For example, in the UK the number of transgender hate crimes that occurred in 2020/21 was 2,799, the number increased to 4,355 in 2021/22. (Source - Inclusive Employers)
The number of sexual orientation hate crimes increased in the UK from 18,596 in 2020/21 to 26,152 in 2021/22. (Source - Inclusive Employers)
IDAHoBiT is an opportunity to shine a light on the discrimination the LGBTQI+ community experiences and encourage and promote LGBTQI+ inclusion.
Language and Terminology
An important part of tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is assessing the language and terminology we use. Some key terms are defined below, but to learn more, please refer to Stonewall's Glossary and our Trans Equality Glossary of Terms
HOMOPHOBIA Discrimination against and/or fear or dislike of lesbian and gay people (including those perceived to be gay or lesbian) and homosexuality. This includes the perpetuation of negative myths and stereotypes through jokes and/or personal thoughts about lesbian and gay people.
BIPHOBIA Discrimination against and/or fear or dislike of bisexual people (including those perceived to be bisexual) or bisexuality. Includes the perpetuation of negative myths and stereotypes through jokes and/or personal thoughts about bisexual people.
TRANSPHOBIA Discrimination against and/or fear or dislike of trans people (including those perceived to be trans). This includes the perpetuation of negative myths and stereotypes through jokes and/or personal thoughts.
HETEROSEXISM / HETERONORMATIVITY The assumption that everyone is heterosexual and that heterosexuality is superior. An emphasis on heterosexual being ‘the norm’ and a valued position in society. The media often reinforces heteronormativity through images used or the way characters are portrayed.
LGBTQI+ Inclusion at the University of Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield is proud to be a Stonewall Global Diversity Champion Stonewall is Europe’s largest lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) rights charity. Over the past year, the University of Huddersfield has undertaken significant strides towards creating an inclusive working environment.
This year, the University achieved a prestigious Silver Award and has been ranked within the Top 100 Employers 2023 for the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI). The University is now ranked 97th of employers in all sectors who took part – up from a ranking of 277 in 2022.
LGBTQI+ Staff Network
The University of Huddersfield’s LGBTQI+ Staff Network was set up as a self-organising group in April 2018. The Network discussed and self-defined their name, with the acronym LGBTQI+, incorporating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, and Intersex.
To find out more about this network including future meeting dates, please email lgbt@hud.ac.uk or please feel free to contact Carson McCombe (Chair).
To learn more please visit our LGBT+ Page
Ways to share your allyship
- Wearing a Rainbow Lanyard is a visible signal to the LGBTQI+ community that our campus is welcoming and inclusive. Click the link and scroll down to see staff from across the University tell us why they wear the rainbow lanyard and what it means to them.
- Read the Instructions on how to add a background to Teams meetings and use one of the IDAHoBiT images at the bottom of the page as your backdrop for Teams calls on Wednesday 17th
- If you feel comfortable doing so, use and share your pronouns.
- Educate yourself on LGBTQI+ issues and share with others.
- Speak up for the LGBTQI+ community and challenge homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.