The 17th of May every year is IDAHO (the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia); the date was chosen to commemorate the day in 1990 when homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases.

IDAHO has been celebrated worldwide since 2005. Here in Croydon there has been a commemoration of one sort or another every year since 2006.

May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has received official recognition from several States, international institutions such as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.

Even if every year a “global focus issue” is promoted, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is not one centralised campaign; rather it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action, on whatever issue and in whatever format that they wish.
Many different entities participate in the global mobilisation around May 17 and as a consequence it receives many different denominations. Some organisations add Lesbophobia or Intersexphobia as distinct focuses. Acronyms also vary, from the initial IDAHO to IDAHOTB or IDAHOBIT. The Day is not one central trademarked brand and everyone is free to communicate as they wish.