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The world celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

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Today, 17 May, the whole world is celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) – a day dedicated to the worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities

Every day people suffer because of these phobias and stand destitute in the face of violence, discrimination, exclusion, hate, murder and rejection. The campaign for 2016, in particular, is shining the spotlight on more senior homosexual and transgender people. 

A study done by homophobie.org, highlights the fact that LGBT seniors are faced with the same age-related issues that all seniors experience, namely: 

- They are more likely to contemplate suicide.
- They tend to isolate themselves out of their innate fear of being subjected to homophobia and transphobia within other senior settings, unable to fully express their gender identity.
- They tend not to have a strong family support structure, unlike most heterosexual people.
- They tend to develop loneliness and/or depression that may have various dire health consequences.

Whether we are six or 65, homophobia and transphobia affect people of all ages and creeds. Let’s take a moment to remember the case of the Ugandan gay activist who was brutally slain for fighting for equal rights and freedom to love another; bullied teens around the world, many of whom are opting for suicide; and the shocking practice of “corrective rape” in an attempt to “cure” lesbians in South Africa. 

Let’s take a moment to remember the trans woman in Turkey who was stabbed seventeen times for being her real self. Let’s also spare a thought for the six trans women who were stabbed to death in Honduras in the span of two months, and let us remember how Neo-Nazis kill innocent gay men to this very day. 

Every single gay, straight, bisexual, lesbian, transgender, intersex person holds the right to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and society. It’s a simple proposition that everyone be allowed to live completely free of fear. 

The United Nations released a wonderful IDAHOT fight song. Produced as part of the ongoing OHCHR-led UN Free & Equal campaign, the video titled, “Why we fight” is a wonderful example of activism. 

The video encapsulates footage shot by activists and allies in more than 20 countries, highlighting the range of organisations that fight discrimination across the globe. Singer-songwriter Rachel Platten is a staunch supporter of the campaign and donated her hit “Fight Song” to be used as the soundtrack.

Watch the video below:

Read more:

More evidence gay parents raise well-adjusted kids

Teen kills herself after mom beats her for being gay

Bullying begins early for gay children

Image: iStock

Sources:

http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/ 
http://www.homophobie.org/ 



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