From IT GETS BETTER Canada & EGALE :
Today the world will mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) — a global moment to stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI communities and spotlight the urgent need to confront hate and discrimination. This year’s theme is “At the heart of democracy”, which highlights that LGBTQIA+ inclusion is essential to democratic societies and reaffirms the community’s role in advocating for justice and equality.
IDAHOBIT, observed annually on 17 May, commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. Since then, the day has served as a focal point for raising awareness of the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQIA+ people across the globe. The 2026 IDAHOBIT theme serves as a powerful reminder that the soil of truly democratic societies must be rich in meaningful equity and justice for all, fostering the flourishing of the entire community.
Over the last two years and counting, there’s no question that most safe spaces disappeared—access to people and places that young folks relied on to feel seen, heard, and represented. This year, the call to action is more pressing than ever. Around the world, including here in Canada, we are witnessing an alarming surge in anti-2SLGBTQI hate, from the spread of gender-critical ideologies to a wave of discriminatory policies targeting trans and queer communities. Hate crimes, online disinformation, and coordinated protests are on the rise, threatening the safety and dignity of 2SLGBTQI people.
Amid this rising anti-2SLGBTQI hate, you can make a difference by taking ‘rainbow action’!
- Attend a Free Webinar
- Combat Misinformation and Disinformation
- Plan for Safety Amid Rising Hate
- Craft Inclusive Messaging and Have Difficult Conversations
- Donate to support our work in combatting hate
Visit egale.ca/idahobit or may17.org for more information

Comments are closed