IDAHO-UK 2009.

IDAHO is the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.

It was founded by Louis Georges Tin in 2005. Campaigns and Inititives take place on or around May 17th every year to combat prejudice against LGBT people. May 17th is chosen  because it marks the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental diseases.

IDAHO is needed because: 86 member states of the United Nations still criminalise consensual same sex among adults. Among these 7 have legal provisions with the death penalty as punishment. In addition, there are 6 provinces or territorial units which also punish homsexuality with imprisonment.

IDAHO day can also be celebratory because all over the world people are fighting against the persecution of LGBT people and are involved in positive initiatives and campaigns which can be celebrated and give hope for the future.

We invite everyone who is against homophobia and transphobia to arrange or take part in IDAHO activities in order to make a positive contribution to this important international campaign.

This year the IDAHO theme is "End Transphobia: Respect Gender Identity".  Please sign the petition to support this campaign.

In December 2008 a declaration against homophobia and gender identity discrimination was finally heard at the General Assembly of the United Nations.

http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Dec/1802.htm