Today is  International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB)

When one hears that someone is from the LGBTQ community some think positive and others negative. Some people don’t even know that there are days or months for this community. One of these days is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, #IDAHOTB, which is on May 17. Some can think that is the as Pride, but it is not. I personally didn’t even know what this day was until I researched it. I was left speechless with everything that I learned and would want others to learn a bit of what I learned.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is a day when one brings awareness of LGBTQ rights. This is a day when one speaks up more worldwide about the injustice that the people in the LGBTQ community have. They have been shamed for who they are and this is something that shouldn’t happen because we are human beings. Something that comes into the mind of horrible people can be as an example is a television series called Degrassi. There is an episode where one of the characters comes out as gay and is beaten up by people who are Homophobic. This might have been a TV series but it is an example of how some people are. This is why this day was created for one to speak up about the injustices that have been experienced by lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, pansexuals, anyone from the LGBTQ community.

The date of May 17 was chosen because they wanted to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. This day was created in 2004 for one to bring awareness of violence and

discrimination. This represents a major global annual landmark. It is important because one wants to draw the attention of decision-makers, the media, the public, leaders, local authorities, anyone. For they can see what the people from the LGBTQ community have to face.

Thankfully, today May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries even 37 countries where same-sex acts are illegal. This is something amazing because Love is Love. Why shouldn’t one marry the person they love regardless of who they are. They shouldn’t be shamed for it or looked down upon. I personally think if identified as a person for the LGBTQ community that’s good. You are you. I personally have friends who have been shamed for being who they are and they shouldn’t. They have been told horrible things and this shouldn’t be because we are all human. This is something that shouldn’t be happening. This why on this day one speaks up and raises awareness on what is going on.

Esmeralda Cruz
Grandview Student Council Programmer