The 17th of May is observed every year as the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This day was initially set 16 years ago to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990. The purpose of IDAHOBIT is to increase awareness about different sexual and gender identities and unite people in the movement against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Its aim is to gain the attention of politicians, civil society leaders, the media and the public, and have the issues and stories of LGBT+ people heard.
Just like every year, Pink Armenia marks this day with the aim of raising awareness about the issues of LGBT+ people in Armenia, joining the fight against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. The slogan for this year’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!” This coincides with the title of this year’s Rainbow forum organized by Pink Armenia which is “Overcoming Challenges.” During the forum different crises (pandemic, war, socio-economic and political situation) and their consequences for LGBT people were discussed. Additionally, we also addressed how to overcome these crises, the gained knowledge, as well as the perspectives that await us in the future.
Taking into account the many problems that have arisen during these crises as well as prioritizing the visibility of LGBT+ people and their full involvement in society, this year, as part of IDAHOBIT week, we have also prepared a video on family equality featuring a same-sex family. The video shows parents, their child, who want to participate in a family sports event, but cannot do so because they are not looked upon as a family by the public. Through this video, we wanted to emphasize that same-sex families are part of our society and they deserve equal opportunities.
With this article, we would like to send a strong message: LGBT+ people and families live amongst us and they deserve equal rights and opportunities. Our mission continues until all members of the LGBT+ community are free to live their lives on equal conditions without persecution or fear.