In celebration of International Dance Day we’ve gathered seven great tips to help you incorporate dance into your actions for IDAHOT 2016. Whether it’s a small individual performance, or a group event, dance can be used in many creative ways – either as the main focus, or as a smaller part of a big event!

1 – Hold a flashmob!

Originally designed in response to rules against public gatherings, flashmobs are now a popular tactic across the world. The idea is simple: A group gathers secretly in a public location, using text or social media to coordinate their meeting. The activists blend into the crowd until signaled to begin a special pre-planned performance.

It could be a highly-rehearsed, coordinated routine, or something much more amateur. Whatever it is, flashmobs can be a great way of engaging younger people and raising public awareness of an important specific issue.

For more ideas, check out some of the past events which have used flashmobs for IDAHOT.

2 – Use traditional elements

All across the world LGBTI individuals have existed as long as humans have, yet in many countries the idea that LGBTI identities are a recent invention still remains. Whether it’s traditional music, traditional dance, or both, incorporating traditional elements into a performance can help bridge the perceived gap between the LGBTI community and a culture’s traditional elements.

Traditional elements also help attract sections of the public that might not normally engage with LGBTI issues to your campaign, but is perhaps most useful in the way it can shift public perceptions.

For more inspiration check out Gay Gordan’s traditional Scottish dance group, or the London Gay Men’s Choir.

3 – Get a live band

If you want your event to draw lots of members of the public then one of the best ways is through live music! Not only is it a great way to put on a show, but can always be a great way of supporting local musicians, especially LGBTI musicians who might not often get a platform!

Search your local community for bands that can perform alongside your dance. It might seem like a daunting task, but it’s usually not too difficult to find talented and enthusiastic musicians who are happy to support a good cause.

4 – Busk or hold a street performance

If your group is very small, or even if you’re only an individual, then a street performance (known as busking in some parts of the world) is a great way to draw attention to your cause, or to raise important funds through donations.

In theory, all you need is a sound system and public space, but its good to make sure that your performance is well-rehearsed too. If you’re raising awareness make sure you also bring along information such as signs or leaflets too. In many cities you may need a permit or special permission, so check in advance with local authorities before you hold a performance.

5 – Contact schools and community groups

If performance isn’t your thing then consider working with a local group who are willing to support your event. Schools, community groups and dance groups are often eager to put on a show, and contacting them might be a great way to build links with the local community.

6 – Build a mobile sound system

If you have the time or resources then a mobile sound system is great for making sure your performance doesn’t have to remain static. Whether it’s a car or van with speakers, a bicycle trailer, or even a person-carried system, having a system that moves with you is ideal for parades, protests and marches.

Have a look online at other people’s systems, look around your community and see what you have available. You might find you have the perfect components for a mobile system already to hand!

7 – Make it loud!

Although dancing is a fun and creative outlet for communities, the most important aspect is its ability to draw attention. Bring colors, loud music, exciting costumes and other visual and aural aspects can ensure that your performance draws as much attention as possible.

When it comes to IDAHOT there’s no such thing as TOO VISIBLE! When you’re planning your performance you should always make sure you’re doing your best to ensure it’s as visible, loud and attractive as possible!

In Nepal, actions around the IDAHOT 2014 over various days. Highlights included a press conference announcing the IDAHOT 2014 programme ahead, a rainbow flag-raising and speeches at the British High Commission, and a gala event – all in Kathmandu. The gala event featured dance and music performances, by participants from 5 regions of Nepal, as well as “Catwalk To Freedom” (an activism/theatre piece, focused on Third Gender oppression and liberation). A film screening, speeches, theatre, a legal consultation, and other events were organised throughout the week.

The series of events was also marked by high-level participation, as several dignitaries including representatives from National Human Rights Commission, the Norwegian Embassy, UNAIDS, and Pinky Gurung, BDS’s current President wished courage to all LGBTI communities and expressed their solidarity for IDAHOT.

Significantly, a letter was also sent by the Gay and Lesbian Sexual Minority Network of Nepal, to the Prime Minister of Nepal requesting official recognition of May 17.

Local organisers shared the following report with us, which is now reproduced here in full:

We are so happy and excited to share you the IDAHOT Nepal National Report.

LGBTI people, alongside allies and friends, in Nepal marked/celebrated IDAHOT this year in an extended and elaborated three days of events nationwide.

On the 15th of May Blue Diamond Society organized a “meet the press” event, inviting media representatives at the Reporters Club in Kathmandu for an interaction program with activists. The program very interesting, various LGBTI representatives spoke of LGBTI rights, the need for LGBTI representatives to be included in the Constituent Assembly (CA), and reiterated long-held demands that Nepal’s new constitution ensures human rights for LGBTI people. Activists also asked government to allocate budget to LGBTI community support projects, and ensure equal access to education and equal opportunities for employment.

Press conference announcing IDAHOT 2014 events in Nepal. Courtesy of Blue Diamond Society

At least 7 national TV channels broadcasted the events and various radio and print media covered the news of that meet the press event – the kick-off for the broader IDAHOT events around the country.

On the morning of May 16th, the British High Commission in Kathmandu invited LGBTI representatives from various organizations, raised a rainbow flag on the premises, and DCM Guy Harrison spoke about British government’s commitment to support LGBTI rights. Former CA member and founder of BDS Sunil Babu Pant spoke highlighting the importance of IDAHOT, and thanked British government for their support while asking them to do more to protect LGBTI rights in Nepal.

British High Commission in Kathmandu flying the flag on IDAHOT 2014. Courtesy of Blue Diamond Society

Later in the afternoon, Blue Diamond Society organized a gala event at the National Theater in the center if Kathmandu, inviting various families, communities, media, other civil society groups.

Gala event for IDAHOT 2014 in Nepal. Source: Courtesy of Blue Diamond Society

The event featured cultural dances, usually traditionally performed by metis/third genders (male born TGs),  and the “Catwalk To Freedom” — a ramp show featuring various third gender models, with unique educational structure and concept: First, TG models cat-walked onto the ramp, one by one, as if they were caged, chained, masked, hands and legs tied, hand cuffed, mouth taped symbolically show they were denied mobility and expression, and forced to remain in the closet while facing a lot of violence. One by one, while walking in the ramp, the models broke themselves from the cage, tearing off the chains, pulling the tape off their mouths, breaking of the hand cuffs, etc., and trying to encourage others too.

“Catwalk for Freedom” in Kathmandu, Nepal. IDAHOT 2014. Courtesy of Blue Diamond Society.

“Be Change”, documentary related to Lesbian love, was also screened. Nilu Doma, documentary maker, shared her experience regarding “ Be Change” and importance of love regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

LGBTI groups from all 5 development regions of Nepal brought their ethnic dance performances. A musical performances showing very vivid experience of LGBTI facing stigma and discrimination, audience were touched by the performances.

Then a play was staged by Silpi Theater Troupe, portraying how in-laws to-be refuse to marry a girl because they discovered her brother was third gender, then the third gender was excluded from her home by her parents, end up leaving the village. She (the third gender) faced discrimination while traveling by bus to Kathmandu, could not find room to rent, could not find job, ended up working in dance bar with low pay and abusive owner, and joined a college only face bullying from classmates – a fairly typical story of a TG facing discrimination and exclusion in day to day life in Nepal. As Nepal has progressed some legal rights and community empowerment, the TG character was able to find peers and organizations to support her. She is empowered and not just settled in harsh city like Kathmandu but also become compassionate to help others in need. Overall it was a powerful performance with positive messages about support and inclusion and hope for the future.

Sunil Babu Pant gave a inspirational and encouraging speech, asking every one to remain united and work hard. He talked about the unfair comparison many may do out of ignorance between the two completely different kinds of success: one can be easily successful to destroy something in a short time without skills, qualification and hard work, but to be successful to create something beneficial to mankind and build a movement and sustain is very different and need a lot of hands, minds and hearts to work together. Pant also invited a mother, Saru Bisht, to the stage, honored her for her support and fight against all odds to give her two third gender children the citizenship ID cards according to their gender identity and asked all parents to see her as a role model.

Several dignitaries including representatives from National Human Rights Commission, the Norwegian Embassy, UNAIDS, and Pinky Gurung, BDS’s current President wished courage to all LGBTI communities and expressed their solidarity for IDAHOT.

On day 3, BDS held an informal Interaction program among LGBTI members — many new members joined the events, shared their experiences and stories of coming out as well as the ugly, the bad, the OK, the good, and the extra-ordinarily happy  experience of living as an LGBTI person in contemporary Nepali society, followed by food and a dance party.

In 23rd and 24th May, BDS coordinated a consultation with 50+ supreme court lawyers on “the 2007 Supreme Court decision in Pant v. Nepal, the new Constitution, the proposed draft civil and criminal code (the proposed civil and criminal coed is dangerously regressive and needs urgent intervention), LGBTI communities needs with regards to legal counselling/litigation and Nepal Bar Association’s role to safeguard LGBTI rights and legal support to LGBTI people.

Civil code consultation for IDAHOT 2014, Nepal. Courtesy of Blue Diamond Society

After the consultation Nepal Bar association expressed their commitment to support LGBTI cause and offered free legal services to Blue Diamond Society and LGBTI members anywhere in Nepal. They also expressed their concern over the proposed draft civil and criminal code which are unbelievably regressive and suggesting to criminalize sexual identities and behaviors which would render LGBTI people criminals — the NBA said this was “unacceptable”.

Letter to the Government of Nepal, requesting official recognition of May 17

Government of Nepal,
Prime Minister as well as
Minister of Social Welfare council
Mr.Sushil Koirala,

Sub:Requesting to proclaim IDAHOBT Day as a public holiday

Dear Prime Minister,
As Nepal’s interim constitution 2063, in the Section 3 there is fundamental rights of the citizens and in the Section 4 there is responsibility of the state as well as management of the principles of polity.As we, the sexual and gender minorities are also citizens of this country, we have rights to utilize and claim all fundamental as well as human rights. However,we,the sexual and gender minorities, have been suffering from various kinds of discrimination in our home, society, neighbors and even from government itself. To eradicate all types of these discrimination, globally the international organizations and associations like International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and International Lesbian and Gay Association(ILGA) are standing together and making their local level NGOs and INGOs active to overcome all sorts of discrimination and violence against sexual minority communities and empower them with all human rights and their security.With regards to it,an international committee IDAHO,formed and this committee has been observing International Day Against Homophobia to mark the discrimination and violence against homosexuals, bisexual, transsexual on 17th May every year. Tally this day with our Nepali Bikram Sambat era, we would like to request to you to declare this day public holiday in Nepal too. So that we can make people aware of LGBTTI community and change their opinions about them through this day. We are presenting this letter to you including some problems and issues of this community.

Dear Prime minister, only a few member of our sexual and gender minorities whom can be counted on our finger tips have received citizenship cards in the name of ‘Thirdsex’ or ‘Othersex’ which were issued by Government of Nepal on saying to do so by some non-government organization. However, member of our community are not satisfied with it. They take it as the government itself is discriminating on them by using such offensive words like ‘thirdsex’ ‘thirdgender’ ‘othersex’. Similarly, these are some NGOs in the country which propose a lot of tempting activities in the name of doing welfare of this community just to attract the foreign donor agents. Embezzle the amount that they received as foreign aids, they do nothing towards the welfare of this community. Thus, few people are turning affluent overnight. So the government of Nepal should pay attention and case towards the activities of NGOs and take legal actions against those found guilty. Have a detailed study about this community before issuing citizenship cards to its members because we are neither any thirdgender nor any third-nature dramatical persons, we are naturally normal persons.

We would also like to put forward some of our demands, they are as follows:-
1. Identity cards should be issued based on sex-orientation of an individual.
2. Legalize the Same-Sex marriage.
3. Mention sexual minorities in the new building up constitution.
4. The final verdict of the Supreme Court made in the year 2064(B.S) should be made to follow strictly.
5. Proclaim IDAHOBT Day as a public holiday.

For your information, we would like to tell you something about the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and transphobia(IDAHOBT). This day aims to co-ordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTTI rights work worldwide. The date of May 17 was chose to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the international classification of diseases of The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.
Requesting you to grant the 17th May as Public Holiday in Nepal. We have prepared this letter representing more then 3 lakh Nepalese sexual minorities. At last, hearing our demands and putting them into practice, give justice to all victimized Nepalese sexual and gender minorities.
Thank you.
Yours,
Binod Lama
Chairperson
Gay and Lesbian Sexual Minority Network Nepal

2014 was a landmark year for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Malta. The major event of the year was of course the 2nd annual International IDAHO Forum being held in the country, on May 13-14, featuring the participation of the Maltese Prime Minister, high level ministers from various countries, and LGBTI rights advocates and civil society organisations from across Europe. The University of Malta also organised a significant particpatory photo campaign.

IDAHO Forum co-hosted by Maltese and Swedish governments in Valletta, Malta

This 2nd annual IDAHO Forum was held under the theme: ‘Responses to Homophobia & Transphobia at the National, European & International Levels’.

Various high level ministers and national level politicians participated in the conference, which also featured the participation of the Prime Minister of Malta. Many civil society organisations from the international LGBTI rights field were also represented at the conference, including ILGA-Europe, TGEU (Transgender Europe), ORAM International and the IDAHO Committee. Key international institutions and agencies were also be represented, including UNESCO, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, the Council of Europe, the Intergroup on LGBT Rights of the European Parliament, and the European Commission.

Helena Dalli (Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs & Civil Liberties, Malta) and Erik Ullenhag (Minister for Integration, Sweden) speaking at the 2014 IDAHO Forum in Valletta, Malta.

Key outcomes included the signing of an IDAHO declaration of intent – a 12-point plan and commitment to defend LGBTI rights, which can be read in full here (pdf download).

A full list of the ministerial signatories to the IDAHO Declaration – representing 17 states – can be found here.

We are committed to the principle of the universality of human rights and reaffirm that cultural, traditional or religious values cannot be invoked
to justify any form of discrimination, including discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. – IDAHO Declaration of Intent, 2014

Amongst other highlights, the Prime Minister of Malta, Dr. Joseph Moscat, gave a well-received speech to the floor, in which he urged other governments to “throw away your prejudices”:

This event is ultimately about the Europe that we aspire to live in. Having so many countries represented, especially at Ministerial level, augurs well for what we are trying to achieve. We need to stamp out homophobia and transphobia once and for all. Such a goal cannot be achieved easily. We must work together.

I’ve heard people say that lesbians, gays and transgender people shouldn’t be given special rights. I have to agree with them. They don’t deserve special rights. They deserve the same rights as anybody else. Nobody should be turned away from a job because of their sexuality. Nobody should face intimidation or violence because of who they are. And no government should turn a blind eye to prejudice in society.

We are building a better Malta. I am certain of that.

And to other countries I say: throw away your prejudices. You’ll be surprised at how good it will make you feel.

A video of the Prime Minister’s welcoming speech can be viewed here:

The Prime Minister also commented on the publication of the latest Rainbow Index from ILGA Europe, which judges how countries are performing on LGBT rights questions:

“I’m pleased to say that the fastest climbers in the past year were Malta – up 22 per cent – and Montenegro – up 20 per cent. Progress can happen quickly if the will is there.”

For full information on the IDAHO Forum 2014 please see the dedicated website: www.idaho2014forum.org

University of Malta public photo campaign

In a Betapsi Malta & We Are initiative, students, MEP candidates, lecturers and international activists at the University of Malta had their photos taken, to take a collective stand against homophobia.

At least 57 people had their photos taken, and 52 posters were made. Below is just a snapshot – You can see larger versions of each here.

In Canada, 85 organisations co-signed a special May 17 open letter, calling on the government to affirm its support for LGBTI rights internationally, which included a 10 point plan for dealing with human rights abuses of LGBTI people around the world. Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, responded with an official statement underscoring the strong commitment of the Canadian government to continue to press for universal human rights. National television station, CBC, covered these initiatives, as well as the raising of the rainbow flag at Toronto City Hall to mark the Day.

Foreign Affairs Minister responds to 85 LGBTI and human rights organisations

After 85 organisations co-signed an open letter, ahead of May 17, to Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, he released a statement affirming the Canadian government’s support for respecting and protecting LGBT rights around the world. You can read the letter in full here.

Baird released a statement in honour of the IDAHOT 2014, on May 16, in which he said:

“This day is an opportunity to shed light on the significant human rights abuses to which sexual minorities are subjected worldwide.

“It is alarming that approximately 80 countries around the world criminalize homosexuality or have laws in place that have the intended effect of limiting the human rights of a targeted group. Canada has urged and will continue to urge these nations to review this regressive legislation.

“The criminalization of homosexuality is an incitement to intolerance, which breeds hate and, in turn, violence.

“Canada remains committed to standing up for the human rights of all individuals.”

Canadian television network CBC covered the campaign and Baird’s response in its evening news bulletin. They also mentioned Toronto City Council’s flying the rainbow flag for the IDAHOT. You can watch the bulletin here:

You can also read Canada HIV/AIDS Legal Network’s Press Release regarding the open letter campaign – here.

Toronto

Communities gathered for a major event in the city for the IDAHOT 2014 – a flag raising ceremony, with speeches from community leaders, outside Toronto City Hall, on May 16.

Although city Mayor Rob Ford did not attend, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly attended and spoke at the event. He also announced that City Hall would be lit up in rainbow colours in recognition of the Day.

Toronto Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, speaking at the rainbow flag raising at City Hall on May 16. Source: Toronto Sun

PFLAG President, Irene Miller, gave a powerful and emotional speech underscoring the significance of the flag-raising. In her speech, Miller also noted that in February 2014 – when the Sochi Olympics were being held, Toronto’s mayor, Rob Ford, refused for the flag to fly outside city hall. She also criticised Ford for sexist, racist and homophobic remarks he had made. You can watch her speech in full here:

Media coverage of the event was considerable (e.g. Toronto Sun, Globe and Mail, and City News).

The 519 Anti-Violence Program also hosted a community art event to mark this years’ IDAHOT, at the Church Street Community Centre. You can find out more here.

Vancouver

Various groups came together for a diverse series of events in Vancouver, Canada for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014. Communities gathered for a cultural event and panel discussion on LGBTIQ* refugees in Canada, as well as for ‘Gay & Grey’ – a conversation over breakfast about what it means to be LGBTQ, out, and aging. More info.

Quebec

As ever, the Quebec region was particularly active around the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, with special support from the regional May 17 campaign, by Fondation Émergence. This year, the chosen theme for actions around the Day was “Same-sex parenting I love my two moms, I love my two dads”.

You can find out more about the campaign in this press release, and by browsing their website.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, LGBTQI communities – and their friends and allies – came together for an IDAHOT 2014 Rally, in the city’s South Park & Spring Garden on May 14. The Rally was organised under the theme “Speak Up & Speak Out!” and featured the participation of Scott Jones (and the Don’t Be Afraid campaign), as well as guest speakers from various community groups: Kate Shewan (Trans Activist & NSRAP Vice-Chair), Jessica Durling (Trans Activist & King’s PRIDE Co-Chair), Pedram Niakan (A “Rainbow Refugee” to Halifax), Keith MacMillan (The Halifax Refugee Clinic). There were also performances by Max Jones and The Youth Project Queerios, whilst people could also get their photos taken in the “Don’t Be Afraid” photo booth! More info.

Communities “Speak Up and Speak Out!” at the Halifax Rally for the IDAHOT 2014. May 14, 2014. Source: Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project

Progressive voices of faith speak out in support of equality

The Right Rev. Gary Paterson, the first openly gay Moderator of the United Church of Canada wrote a popular and widely shared open letter to the LGBTQ community, stressing the existence of progressive voices of faith within Christian communities, and underscoring the need to support equal rights for LGBTQ people. You can read it here. He also spoke at a Vancouver event for IDAHOT 2014.

Canada gets top LGBT rights scorecard

On social media, many commented positively that Canada received top marks (5/5) on their LGBT rights scorecard, according to the widely shared Guardian newspaper infographic – a project developed in partnership with ILGA and All Out. More info.

The organisations Friends for Life, CAISO and CariFLAGS joined forces this year to organise events around May 17 in downtown Port of Spain and Belmont, Trinidad & Tobago.

The events went on for two days and consisted of:

Friday May 16, 1:30pm: Friends for Life held a demonstration at the Port of Spain International Finance Centre, the home of the national Parliament at the start of its sitting.

Saturday May 17, 9am: CAISO, Friends for Life and CariFLAGS at their joint office in Belmont, launched a Trinidad & Tobago case advocacy program to bring justice and healing to LGBTI persons who have suffered violations of their basic rights; and hosted a briefing on the first sexual orientation-related Caribbean case just accepted by the Caribbean Court of Justice — a treaty challenge to the immigration law of Trinidad & Tobago.

Local activists explained:

The law makes homosexuals, those who live off their earnings, and those reasonably suspected of coming or attempting to bring others into the country for homosexual purposes prohibited immigrants; and it provides for the deportation of persons who practise, assist in the practice, or share in the avails of ‘homosexualism’.

The casework program is staffed by a social worker and a lawyer and will lead to a new effort at strategic use of courts and tribunals by LGBTI groups in Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean, with the development of a clearing house for SOGI-related strategic litigation in the region.

UK, German and other embassies formally salute the Day in T&T

On May 16, for a 24 hour period, the Union Jack (flag of the UK) was lowered, and the rainbow flag raised in its place at the British High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Also present were representatives from the German Embassy, Canadian High Commission, and Spanish, Dutch, US embassies and other colleagues from the European Union. Non-governmental organisations present were the Silver Lining Foundation and, I Am One group.

Media coverage (select):

• Trinidad and Tobago Newsday: piece on foreign embassy actions in T&T, ‘Diplomats, NGOs raise gay rights awareness‘
• Journalist Janine Mendes-Franco, based in Trinidad & Tobago, also wrote a supportive piece regarding IDAHOT 2014, focused on ‘Being Gay in the Caribbean‘.

Actions for IDAHOT took place for the first time ever this year in Suriname

The organization, LGBT Platform Suriname, organized around May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014, with the launching of their new website. LGBT Platform Suriname unites the most important LGBT and human rights organizations in the country in order to create a common strategy for the expansion of rights.

May 17, 2014 – A moment for advocacy and community building in Suriname.

On May 17 the organization also met with the Ambassador on Special Mission, Director of Protocol and Ceremonies, Ms. Franklin, who belongs to the Office of the President of the Republic of Suriname.

At the meeting a position paper was presented and the documentary “Also Human” was also played, as a way of exposing it, also, to the President’s Office.

In a very hostile environment, PINK Armenia and other groups, including the “New Generation” Humanitarian NGO, marked May 17 with 15 videos in dedication to freedom of expression. Activists also sent letters to the President of Armenia, the President of National Assembly, the Ombudsman and Minister of Justice, as well as the Prime Minister, to urge them to take necessary actions to end systematic violence against LGBT people.

Together with the Independent Journalists Network (epress.am) and the Helsinki Association for Human Rights, PINK Armenia prepared a specific set of videos ahead of the events.

Armenia shouts: “I am against homophobia”!

ʺI am against homophobiaʺ video series presents activists, artists and opinion leaders and society members who talk about homophobia/transphobia and its negative effects on Armenian society.

The video series which was created for the promotion of debate about LGBTI Freedom of Expression consists of 15 videos. The videos are mainly in Armenian, with one video in Russian.

To see all videos, click here.

And you can watch one of the videos directly here:

Letter writing campaign

PINK Armenia also sent letters to the President of Armenia, President of National Assembly, Ombudsman and Minister of Justice and Prime Minister to urge them to take necessary actions to end systematic violence against LGBT people. Here is an English copy of the letter send to officials.

“In the Republic of Armenia, RA Constitutional Order must be approved for the sake of freedom of our society and nation, dignity and multicultural development.”

More info on the campaign can be found here.

In Kyrgyzstan, the organisation Labrys organised a diverse week-long programme in celebration of the IDAHOT – the ‘Kyrgyz Week Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2014′. The events addressed new legal and political developments in Kyrgyzstan, especially given the recent tabling of draft legislation to criminalise homosexual ‘Propaganda’ in the national Parliament.

On March 26, 2014 two members of the Kyrgyz parliament initiated a draft law banning propaganda of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’, modelled on similar legislation in Russia and other countries. The bill has since been registered in the Parliament, taken down for technical revisions, and re-registered in May. Owing to Russia’s dominance in the Kyrgyz information sphere, the level of homo- and transphobia in the country has risen sharply. With the support of Labrys, a Coalition of civil society organisations for Justice and Non-discrimination has been organised, working on opposing the draft law since then.

In this context LGBTIQA organisation Labrys has organised a more downplayed contribution to the Kyrgyz Week Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – 2014, which started on 14 May with an announcement of “I exist! I am a citizen!”, an arts competition among LGBTIQA communities of Kyrgyzstan, conducted from 14 May to 14 June 2014. One of the main goals of the competition is to offer an opportunity for LGBTIQA communities to express their civic position in conditions of increasing homophobia and transphobia in the country and to also politicise and inspire LGBTIQA activities in Kyrgyzstan.

In the context of the Week Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Kyrgyzstan 2014 the LGBTIQ organisation Labrys also hosted a “Rainbow weekend” with a variety of events on the 17th and 18th of May.

On May 17 (Saturday) there was a whole “Day at Labrys” in their office. The program included:
1. Film Screenings of three films, including ‘Breakfast on Pluto’ and ‘Room in Rome’.
2 . Campaign for LGBTIQ communities of Kyrgyzstan. In reaction to the bill that has been brought forward in the Parliament, the action include writing letters to MPs to prevent this bill from being put in place.
3 . Celebratory picnic.
4 . Game Zone. All day – board games in good company.
5 . Souvenirs. The organisers gave out Labrys T-Shirts.
6. Communication without borders in a safe space.

On Sunday, May 18, a whole day of activities for the LGBTIQ community took place outside, in a beautiful place in Kyrgyzstan. The program included:
– Scenic places of Kyrgyzstan.
– Team Encounter Games – 5 teams of 10 people.
– Barbecue.
– Prizes for winners, and gifts for all members of the organization LGBTIQA Labrys.

Letters to Parliament for IDAHOT 2014 in Kyrgyzstan. Source: Labrys

Despite recent legal assaults on the possibility of LGBTI rights defence in Nigeria, and a wave of violence against sexual minorities in its wake, various events took place for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia in Nigeria in 2014.

Press release

Activists issued a press statement which affirms the continuous recognition, promotion and protection of LGBTI rights in Nigeria. It also highlighted the violations of rights that LGBTI people in Nigeria face, and stakeholders’ responsibilities towards the protection and promotion of LGBTI rights in Nigeria.

Screening of new Veil Of Silence Documentary

The documentary was produced by local activists and highlights the situation of LGBTI communities in Nigeria. The documentary features true life stories of LGBTI people, together with health and rights experts, and advocates discussing LGBTI rights, and the implications of denial of their rights. (The documentary was shortlisted for the 2014 British Film Institute Festival and was also screened at the festival on 29th and 30th March in Southbank, London.)

The trailer for Veil of Silence can be viewed here:

Veil of Silence Trailer from The Initiative for Equal Rights on Vimeo.

Violence Report

Activists also launched a landmark violence report which documents instances of LGBTI-related violence in Nigeria, especially since the signing of the anti-gay law in Nigeria in 2014. The report will be used in ongoing efforts for the repeal of the law through evidence-based advocacy.

Other events

Various other events connected also with the 2014 global IDAHOT focus on Freedom of Expression, including a book reading, movie screening and talk show.

For more information see:

• The Initiative for Equal Rights: Celebrating IDAHOT with TIERS
• Amsher: Nigeria IDAHO Day Special

While Secretary General Ban Ki-moon released a special statement, the Free and Equal campaign lead by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay released a special video to mark the Day and an interesting map debunking the myths that sexual and gender diversities are contemporary Western concepts.

UNAIDS director Michel Sidibé, who has been marking the Day since very early days, also sent a strong message of support and created a powerful video

ILO’s Director General Guy Ryder strongly stood up against stigma of LGBT people in the workplace.

UNESCO held several activities, including events in Geneva and in Bangkok 

UNDP’s Administrator Helen Clark reminded of the organic connection between Development and Human Rights

Also noteworthy, UN Women’s Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka marked the Day for the first time with a message underlining “the oppression of LGBTI people is closely related to the discrimination that women face in their daily lives”

UNHCR also marked the Day for the first time, with a message from High Commissioner António Guterres to all staff, reminding of the “specific risks that LGBTI people face in many parts of the world”