The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia is a day on which organizations draw international attention to the phenomenon of hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and gender characteristics.

This day is also known by the English abbreviation IDAHO or IDAHOT (International Day Against HOmophobia and Transphobia), IDAHOTB or IDAHOBIT (International Day Against HOmophobia, BIphobia and Transphobia). To be inclusive and to highlight society's multicoloredness in sexual orientations and gender identity and expression, May 17 represents "a global celebration of sexual and gender diversity."

The date of May 17 is prompted by the fact that on that day in 1990 the World Health Organization (WHO) officially removed homosexuality from the internationally used list of diseases, the International Classification of Diseases. Until then, homosexuality had been on that list as a mental illness with all the negative consequences for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. IDAHOT was first organized by the Canadian organization Fondation Émergence in 2003. Since then, more and more organizations are organizing activities on May 17th in more than 150 countries. The day has been recognized by various states and governments, including the European Parliament. Originally, the focus was mainly on the discrimination against lesbians and homosexuals.

In recent years, more attention has been paid to the discrimination against bisexuals, intersex people and the violence faced by transgender people.

More information: idahot.nl