Introduction
Each year on 17 May, people around the world mark IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. It’s a day to speak out against discrimination, support LGBTQ+ people, and celebrate the strength of inclusive communities.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Communities,” reminds us how vital it is to build spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and seen. For LGBTQ+ people, community can be a source of belonging, comfort, and even survival.
What is IDAHOBIT?
IDAHOBIT began in 2004 to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other gender-diverse people. The date, 17 May, marks the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
Today, it’s recognised in over 130 countries, including some where being LGBTQ+ is still illegal or unsafe. IDAHOBIT gives people everywhere a chance to stand up for equality, inclusion, and human rights.
Why It’s Still So Important
Despite progress in laws and rights, LGBTQ+ people continue to face challenges across the world – and even in the UK.
- In the UK, nearly 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ people have experienced a hate crime in the past year.
- Two-thirds of LGBTQ+ students report being bullied at school.
- In over 60 countries, same-sex relationships are still criminalised.
- Trans and non-binary people often struggle to access healthcare, ID documents, or public support.
Even in supportive spaces, subtle bias and microaggressions can make LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe or excluded. That’s why IDAHOBIT is so important: it helps remind us that equality isn’t finished yet – and that every person can help move things forward.
This Year’s Theme: The Power of Communities
The 2025 theme celebrates the power of people coming together. For LGBTQ+ individuals – especially those who’ve faced rejection or isolation – having a supportive community can make a huge difference.
Community can mean:
- Friends who accept you for who you are
- A workplace that respects diversity
- A local group offering support or advocacy
- An online space where people feel safe to share
“I came out as trans at 22, and my family didn’t speak to me for months. It was my community – a queer running group and my mates from the LGBTQ+ centre – that helped me feel human again.”
— Jamie, 27, London
Being part of a caring community isn’t just nice – it’s often life-changing.
Why the LGBTQ+ Community Matters
The LGBTQ+ community is more than a group of people – it’s a source of strength, identity, and hope.
It offers:
- Connection – knowing you’re not alone
- Empowerment – helping people feel confident in who they are
- Safety – creating spaces free from judgement or harm
- Celebration – embracing love, joy, and authenticity
Communities help people thrive, especially when they may feel unwelcome in other parts of society.
Understanding “Chosen Family”
Many LGBTQ+ people speak about having a chosen family. This is a group of close friends or loved ones who provide the care and support a biological family might not be able or willing to give.
Some people lose contact with their relatives after coming out. Others may feel unable to be themselves at home. In these situations, chosen families become essential.
A chosen family provides:
- Unconditional love
- Emotional support
- A sense of belonging
- A safe space to be your true self
These families are proof of the power of love and community, even when it doesn’t come from traditional places.
How You Can Support IDAHOBIT
You don’t have to be LGBTQ+ to make a difference. Here are some practical ways to support this year’s IDAHOBIT theme:
At Work or School
- Host an IDAHOBIT awareness session using resources from Stonewall or IDAHOBIT.org
- Invite LGBTQ+ speakers or organisations to lead a discussion
- Add inclusive signs, posters or rainbow lanyards to show support
- Review policies to ensure they protect and support LGBTQ+ individuals
In Your Community or Family
- Speak up when you hear homophobic or transphobic comments
- Attend or support local Pride events or community centres
- Volunteer with or donate to LGBT Foundation or similar local charities
Online and Social Media
- Share IDAHOBIT messages using hashtags like #IDAHOBIT2025
- Follow and amplify LGBTQ+ creators, educators, and activists
- Use inclusive language, respect people’s pronouns, and educate others
Even small actions – done with care – can help build a safer, more supportive world.
Final Thoughts
IDAHOBIT isn’t just a date on the calendar – it’s a call to action. A reminder that LGBTQ+ people deserve the same love, safety, and respect as anyone else. This year’s theme, The Power of Communities, reminds us that when people come together in kindness and solidarity, they can create powerful change.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, your voice and actions matter. Let’s honour the communities that lift us up, celebrate chosen families, and commit to a world where everyone is free to live as their true self – not just on 17 May, but every day.
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