On Tuesday 17 May there will be several events being run across the University in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBiT):

The rainbow flag will be raised on the flagpole outside Whiteknights House (facing the Library) at 13.00. Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell will lead proceedings, with representatives from UEB, RUSU and our network in attendance. There will also be a speech by a representative of the Beaumont Trust, a charity who raise awareness of gender dysphoria and transgender issues.

This will be followed by a workshop on Gender Identity led by members of the student LGBT+ society from 14.00-15.00 in the Thet Win Aung Boardroom, RUSU.

Finally, a panel discussion will take place 19.30-21.00 in the Van Emden lecture theatre in HUMSS on the role of allies in the LGBT movement.

IDAHOBiT around the world

IDAHOBiT is celebrated annually on 17th May, the date when the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990. It is now celebrated in over 130 countries and you can find out much more about the day on their website.

Every year there is a theme and this year it is Mental Health and Wellbeing. This derives from the historical definition of homosexuality as a psychological disorder, and focuses on the continued association of Trans identities with mental disorders and the higher rates of mental health problems among LGBT+ people. If you are affected by these issues there is support available from the LGBT switchboard and the Elefriends online community run by the charity Mind.