May 17 marks IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The global event fights anti-LGBTQ+ hate and discrimination, while promoting sexual and gender diversity. For 2026, IDAHOBIT is focusing on the theme ‘Heart of democracy’.
On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. To commemorate this landmark decision, celebrations and events for IDAHOBIT take place in over 60 different countries and territories each year. One such event is set to take place in Europe House in Dublin, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus.
Announcing this year’s events, the IDAHOBIT Advisory Group said: “Today, reactionary governments worldwide are poisoning our gardens with the invasive weeds of their authoritarian policies and exclusionary legislations.
“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.”
The advisory group stressed the importance of IDAHOBIT 2026, stating, “As data from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) World Database indicates, the number of countries criminalising consensual same-sex sexual acts rose for the first time in years: 65 UN member States still have such laws on the books… The current wave of democratic backsliding is unfolding as governments retreat from the promise of equity and justice for all.”
With IDAHOBIT 2026 marking the 36th celebration of the event, the day also represents a unique opportunity to reflect on what the community has achieved so far.
While a lot still needs to be done, data from ILGA-World shows that in 2024, the total number of UN member states banning conversion therapy was 11, while in 2026, that number increased to 17. Similarly, the number of UN countries where same-sex marriage is legal rose from 33 to 37 in the last two years, while those that allow gender recognition through self-determination grew from 18 to 20.
Although IDAHOBIT is only celebrated once a year, it is a reminder for us all that every day we must take steps to ensure a fair, equal and nurturing society for all, as it can be just as easy to step backwards in our march for equality as it is to move forward.
If you are interested in IDAHOBIT events worldwide or near you, you can consult the official IDAHOBIT event guide.
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