May 17 is recognized as the International Day Against Homophobia, and Transphobia. (IDAHOT), which is a global awareness day observed annually to draw attention to the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

The day aims to coordinate international events to garner support for the respect of lesbians, gays, and transgender rights worldwide.

The day was first celebrated in 2004, and it was initially known as the International Day Against Homophobia. Since then, it has evolved to encompass the experiences of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals.

Various events, such as rallies, conferences, and cultural events, are held worldwide to mark the day. People come together to raise awareness about issues that affect the LGBTQIA+ community and discuss ways to combat discrimination and promote acceptance.

By May 17, 2005, as a result of a year-long campaigning effort, 24,000 people worldwide, and well-known international organizations like ILGA, IGLHRC, the World Congress of LGBT Jews, and the Coalition of African Lesbians, had signed the appeal to support the IDAHO initiative.

Organizations in more than 70 countries in the world now include the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia as part of their annual mobilization plan. In some of them, the Day has become the major focal point of action.

IDAHOT has now been officially recognized by the EU Parliament, Spain, Belgium, the UK, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Brazil. It is also recognized by numerous local authorities across the world, such as the province of Quebec or the city of Buenos Aires.

Please do your part.  Now more than ever. PLEASE  stand up and speak out against Homophobia and Transphobia wherever and whenever you see it.

We need to now more than ever.