We encourage everyone to watch. Discussions will surely touch upon Britain’s external policy, including ODA and influence within the Commonwealth.

LEEDS

Event Name: “Let’s Start the Conversation” Workshop May 17th
Event Time: 4.00-7.00 PM
Event’s Website or Blog:  https://www.luu.org.uk/union-events/2018/may/lets-start-the-conversation/
Event’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2116138711997746/
Event’s Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/2116138711997746/

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London

For 2018’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), the Kaleidoscope Trust invite you to a panel discussion examining the role of the law in ensuring equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) people in the Commonwealth.

Local Community event to raise awareness of the impact of hate crime and a service of remembrance for victims of hatred.

Request more info: Dianne.Andrews@walthamforest.gov.uk

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Liverpool

Many Hands, One Heart are delighted to invite you to join our celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Experience an afternoon of singing, dancing, poetry and performances delivered by members of Many Hands, One Heart, joined by Movema and the Liverpool LGBT Choir. Lunch and refreshments provided.
Where: Victoria Gallery and Museum, Brownlow Hill, L3 5RF
When: 1100—1500 hours, Saturday 19th May 2018
RSVP: eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-day-against-homophobia-biphobia-and-transphobia-tickets-45570879728

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Manchester

Join us to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Introduced by a member of the Senior Managment Team you’ll be able to view a gallery installation by Mike Upton entitled ‘Let’s Talk About ***’ which looks at 30 years of activism in Manchester.  Mike will then be answering quesitons about his experience of putting together the exhibition before we enjoy a film screening of ‘Out and Around’

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Dorset

WEYMOUTH GAY GROUP Friendship, chat, support, food, drinks & a laugh! Meeting in Weymouth Pubs & Bars….

Newry

Ecumenical Service of Reflection & Song

Merseyside

Service for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the central body for all UK diplomatic and foreign affairs matters, held a number of events in support of IDAHOT 2016, as well as online messages of support that were seen in ost of the countries they operate in.

The office also published a number of short videos featuring staff and members of the international LGBT community. Videos and further messages were shared through the FCO’s social media pages, through the #IDAHOT hashtag.

On social media the UK was one of the most active countries, with tens of thousands of tweets coming from the country alone. IDAHOT 2016 trended throughout the day, and led to an incredible amount of discourse and dialogue.

In response to the IDAHOT 2016 theme, several organisations took part in actions focused on mental health and wellbeing. Coventry University this year released a new edition of their Psychology of Sexuality reviews with a specific IDAHOT focus. The publication will feature research and discussion over sexuality and how campaigners can apply scientific findings to improve their work. Universities across the country also supported the day with talks, workshops and the publication of resources and guides for students.

London the Kaleidoscope Trust held their annual IDAHOT lecture, featuring a talk and panel discussion on mental health and the LGBT community.

Also in London the Lloyds Banking Group hosted a free public screening of the British comedy film Pride, which tells the story of LGBT protestors joining the British mining strike in the 1980s.

In Brighton, The British Psychological Association held a public seminar on marriage equality. The event is free to all members and non-members and will feature insights from some of the leading academics in British psychology. The BPA also held a special online discussion on mental health, psychology and sexuality, which invited members of the public to share questions on mental health and sexuality. The action helped promote much online discussion, and also provided valuable information for many members of the LGBT community.

Across the country community groups held events a huge number of events to support their local LGBT community. In Leamington Spa, LGBTI individuals and allies gathered for the Big Rainbow Picnic to mark IDAHOT 2016. In Bradford the Equality Partnership hosted a day of performance and talks around the theme of health and wellbeing in the LGBTI community. In Shrewsbury, the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival held a special screening about LGBTI activism in Ukraine. In Brighton, the Brighton and Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum joined together with other local activists for a day of live performances and talks that included a ‘minute of noise’ in commemoration of the victims of LGBTI violence.

In North West England the Proud Trust presented their ‘Pink Box’ creations made during LGBT History Month. The Pink Box campaign involved young LGBTI people exploring philosophy and philosophy in order to ‘create their own belief system’ in order to explore the link between religious beliefs and LGBTI equality.

In Manchester the LGBT Foundation held a public hate crime vigil to mark IDAHOT 2016. Other members of the city’s LGBT community also came together to celebrate the life of computer scientist Alan Turing with a miniature memorial unveiling.

In Reading the Reading University Student Union hosted a small number of events across the day, including a flag raising ceremony, workshops and talks on gender identity and allyship in LGBT campaigning.

In Kent, health campaign Kent Brook visited several schools through the week of IDAHOT to discuss discrimination and stigma with young people and teachers. The efforts were part of an ongoing campaign during which the group hopes to address issues facing young LGBT people and to tackle in-school discrimination through their talks.

In Cheltenham (Gloucestershire), members of the local IDAHOT group held public sessions on mental health, wellbeing and stigma. The first talk will focus on the theme of ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’ while the second will address LGBT Children and Parents and the issues they face.

In Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway council marked the day by promoting their newly-launched anti-discrimination guidelines. The authority will also hope to raise awareness of discrimination through a number of events during the day. Similar actions were also seen in Fife, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Also on the day, the Gay Police Association of Scotland ran a special online videocast on hate crimes and discrimination in the UK. Action was also seen from police forces across the country, many of whom supported the day through their Special Victims Unit, and through the promotion of anti-hate crime resources and public displays of solidarity.

Coventry University will also take part in a similar event, by releasing new a new edition of their Psychology of Sexuality reviews with a specific IDAHOT focus. The publication will feature research and discussion over sexuality and how campaigners can apply scientific findings to improve their work.

Outside of academia, a number of events, both large and small, will take place across the country. In London the Kaleidoscope Trust will hold their annual IDAHOT lecture, featuring a talk and panel discussion on mental health and the LGBT community.

Also in London the Lloyds Banking Group will host a free public screening of the British comedy film Pride, which tells the story of LGBT protestors joining the British mining strike in the 1980s.

In Brighton, The British Psychological Association will host a public seminar on marriage equality. The event is free to all members and non-members and will feature insights from some of the leading academics in British psychology.

In the UK, a number of small and large-scale events will take place in communities across the country. In Leamington Spa, LGBTI individuals and allies will gather for the Big Rainbow Picnic to mark IDAHOT 2016. In Bradford the Equality Partnership will host a day of performance and talks around the theme of health and wellbeing in the LGBTI community. In Shrewsbury, the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival will host a special screening about LGBTI activism in Ukraine. In Brighton, the Brighton and Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum will join together with other local activists for a day of live performances and talks that will include ‘one minute of noise’ in commemoration of the victims of LGBTI violence.

In North West England the Proud Trust will present the ‘Pink Box’ creations made during LGBT History Month. The Pink Box campaign involved young LGBTI people exploring philosophy and philosophy in order to ‘create their own belief system’ in order to explore the link between religious beliefs and LGBTI equality.

In Reading the Reading University Student Union will host a small number of events across the day. The day will begin with a morning flag raising ceremony to mark IDAHOT 2016 and will also feature talks and workshops on gender identity and allyship in LGBT campaigning.

In Kent, health campaign Kent Brook will be visiting schools through the week of IDAHOT to discuss discrimination and stigma with young people and teachers. The group hopes to address issues facing young LGBT people and to tackle in-school discrimination through their talks.

In Cheltenham (Gloucestershire), members of the local IDAHOT group will hold public sessions on mental health, wellbeing and stigma. The first talk will focus on the theme of ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’ while the second will address LGBT Children and Parents and the issues they face.

In Manchester national campaign the LGBT Foundation will hold a public hate crime vigil to mark IDAHOT 2016. As part of the event the group have invited the LGBT community and allies to join together to recognise the past and ongoing oppression of LGBT minorities across the world. Also in Manchester, Trans Metropolitan celebrates the day

In Brighton the Brighton and Hove LGBT Community Forum will hold a special event to celebrate IDAHOT 2016, while raising awareness of the issues in their local community. The celebration of LGBT life will also feature a ‘minute of noise’ to commemorate the victims of global LGBT violence.

In Shrewsbury the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival will hold a special screening of the documentary ‘This Is Gay Propaganda’, on the subject of the LGBT community in Ukraine.

In Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway council will mark the day by promoting their newly-launched anti-discrimination guidelines. The authority will also hope to raise awareness of discrimination through a number of events during the day.

In Edinburgh LGBT Youth Scotland will host an event focused on suicide prevention among LGBT youth. For more information and to apply for tickets please visit their online form.

In Fife, local council authorities will mark the day with online actions in support of IDAHOT’s global aims.

Also on the day, the Gay Police Association of Scotland will run a special online videocast on hate crimes and discrimination in the UK. Action will also be seen from Tameside Police, who will allow a handful of officers to mark the day with rainbow shoe laces while on duty.

As well as the one-off rainbow action Stonewall supporters also took part in the ‘No Bystanders’ project, run in collaboration with Barclays bank. As part of the project Barclays bank displayed messages of solidarity on cash machines across the capital. The project, which is ongoing across the UK, aims to prevent anti-LGBT bullying by encouraging the public not to stand by when witness to bullying or hate crimes. The project hopes to engage ordinary members of the public into taking action against discrimination towards the LGBT community, as well as other minorities.

The group also supported the day with an official statement in which they highlighted the importance of supporting LGBTI youth. Stonewall members also assisted in events by promoting the day through social media, most notably by being the largest account to take part in our online ‘thunderclap’ campaign organised in partnership with IGLYO.

Young people up and down the country helped ensure that this year’s focus of LGBT youth was in the forefront of public actions. In several universities and colleges student-led actions saw young activists work on projects that ranged from small events right up to large, multiple day projects.

At the University Of Manchester students and staff marked the day with flags, posters, fliers and computer screensavers seen across the city. The university also held a special film screening that coincided with the unveiling of an art work commemorating LGBT local hero Alan Turing, a leading early-computer scientist and cryptologist who was persecuted for his homosexuality in a time when it was still considered a crime in England.

At the University of Exeter students and local campaigners came together to organise events as part of Exeter Pride, which saw hundreds attend events held on the weekend of May 17th. The event featured a pride parade and a number of free activities, including a youth space, family zone, storytelling, film screenings and live music performance.

The event was organised by the Exeter Pride team with the cooperation of University Of Exeter students, local council authorities and a number of local business.

At the University of Kent the school’s equality and diversity team organised a special event that saw students mark the day. AS well as raising the rainbow flag over school buildings members of the University’s LGBT Staff Network ran an information stall on campus aiming to answer questions and help educate students on the issues facing the LGBT community.

In London the University Of London’s iconic Senate Building, which was the inspiration for George Orwell ‘Ministry Of Truth’, flew the rainbow flag in celebration of the day.

Employees of the British Library marked the day online by sharing a rare extract from their collection of a sonnets by Michelangelo as a special celebration of love for the day.

Transport For London also marked the day with the release of a special black cab, decorated with the rainbow pride colours. The iconic cab took to the streets after the efforts of TFL’s LGBT employee group OutBound, who campaigned for recognition of the event.

The colourful cab ended up one of the most notable actions in all of the UK and caused much discussion online. It was also featured on a number of websites and news outlets.

Participation was not just reserved for campaign groups and businesses however, as many council groups and local authorities also helped to promote the day. Richmond Council in London encouraged residents to engage with local events. While in Bolton the council supported efforts whilst also distributing rainbow pride flags to many schools across the city in an effort to encourage young people to be aware and engage with the day.

At Brighton And Hove council employees from the LGBT Workers Forum organised a special debate to mark the day, in which individuals discussed the impact and importance of issues such as homophobia and intolerance. The event was open to the public and was held on May 16th.

Several police branches too engages with the day by offering support or solidarity with campaigners and charities. In London the Metropolitan Police shared a message their support in an official statement in which they pledged to work with groups across the city to ensure the safety and protection of LGBT groups, especially during events on the day. Similar commitments and messages of support were also seen by police in Shrewsbury, Lewisham, Manchester, Liverpool and Norwich. Police also unofficially supported the day across the country by working with smaller groups to ensure that public events ran safely.

The Kaleidoscope Trust marked the day by bringing together three youth leaders from across the world for a special discussion focusing on the the challenges facing LGBTI youth globally. As part of the event Donnya D Piggot, director of Barbados Gays, Lesbians and All-sexualities Against Discrimination (B-GLAD); Leng Montgomery, a UK-based trans* activist, and Silas Mukangu, a sexual health and rights activist from Kenya, joined together to deliver the Trust’s annual IDAHOT lecture in London’s Canary Whard.

Leading youth charity Action For Children marked the day with a special online campaign in which they encouraged supporters across the country to engage with the actions facing LGBTI youth in the UK.

In Nottinghamshire the efforts of local activists saw the entire county become the site of widespread pride. In cooperation with the Nottinghamshire IDAHOT Group several local authorities joined in support with small events, public statements and rainbow flags. Police stations, colleges, libraries, hospitals, universities and even a castle all came together in one of the biggest examples of support in the country, in which hundreds of flags were proudly flown to mark the day.

In Liverpool church members at St Bride’s Anglican Church held a special service to mark the day, in which music, video and art were all used to express support of LGBTI individuals. The group hoped that the event would help to bring Christian faith groups and LGBT groups closer together, whilst also promoting diversity, tolerance and acceptance among the city’s Anglican population.

In Leeds activists held a city-wide campaign aimed at tackling hate crime in the area. Organised by Leeds Bi Group the event aimed to share information and change perceptions on marginalised groups in the city. The event was also supported by Leeds City Council, and was covered by local news outlets and several websites.

In Sheffield film production group EDEN released a short film focusing on IDAHOT and the LGBT community. The group screened the film at a public rally and activity day organised by the group LGBT Sheffield. Events also included a number of stalls, activities and exhibitions.

In Swansea several groups joined together for a special day of tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Unity Group Wales, Transgender In Wales, Wipe Out Transphobia Wales and the South Wales Police cooperated for a campaign in support of the Welsh LGBTI community. As well as running a special public information stall in the city, individuals across all groups wore orange ‘Zero Tolerance’ ribbons to raise awareness for the day. Groups also raised awareness of the day whilst also promoting the shared message of tolerance and acceptance.

During the event individual participants and partner groups helped members of the public who may have experienced hate crimes by directing them to a special hate crime hotline set up by local police authorities.

In Cardiff Pride Cyrmu (Welsh Pride) organised the launch of their Young Persons Champion to coincide with the day. The event saw an evening of film, entertainment and discussions in association with Youth Cymru held at the Cardiff International White Water Centre.

The day was also marked by the Welsh government too. In celebration of the event the National Assembly for Wales officially marked the day by flying the rainbow flag at all official sites. The Assembly also issued a pledge on the day reaffirming their commitment to the LGBT community, which was signed by the Assembly Management Board, local employees and several members of parliament.

Earlier this year the Assembly was announced as the 4th most LGBT-friendly employer in the UK. Officials at the assembly also used the day to detail the steps taken to improve their commitment to both LGBT employees and the broader Welsh LGBT community.

May 17th was also officially recognised by central government authorities too. Prime Minister David Cameron marked the day with an online statement, in which he also announced the involvement of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). To mark the day GCHQ lit their national headquarters, known sometimes as ‘the doughnut’, in the rainbow colours.

The groups also stated “We are proud to be an organisation that recognises the strength of our diverse workforce and does not tolerate discrimination in any form”.

In Bolton local group Bolton Pride was supported by several local businesses and services who displayed flags, posters and fliers in their buildings in commemoration of the day. The event reportedly was well-supported by locals, many of whom went online to share their thoughts on the day.

In Newcastle local authorities marked the day by lighting the city’s Millenium Bridge in rainbow colours.

In Northern Ireland IDAHOT coincided was also the final day of the national LGBT awareness week. The week saw several events held in Belfast that tackled issues facing the global LGBT community. Events included a film screening, art exhibitions and discussions on topics ranging from homophobia to LGBT groups in the Christian faith. The event was organised by several campaigners from The Rainbow Project, Here and Cara-Friend and saw hundreds of individuals from Belfast and further afield engage on a broad range of important subjects.

Also in Northern Ireland faith groups marked the day with a special series of ecumenical services held in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In NI services were held on Sunday morning in Belfast, Derry and Newry.

The services were coordinated by Changing Attitude Ireland with the aim of raising awareness among people of faith about the issues facing much of the LGBT community. The simultaneous events saw guest speakers addressing church groups throughout both countries at 3 sites in Northern Ireland and 5 in the Republic. The services also featured a special Christian focus on the issues of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

The event will be made up of two special bodies of work: Proudly African and Transgender and Proudly Trans in Turkey and will take place at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre.

The exhibition will feature portraits and narratives of trans activists in Africa and Turkey which have been created by artist/activist Gabrielle Le Roux in collaboration with the individuals portrayed in the works.

The day-long event will also feature talks,  workshops and a special artist-led tour all aimed at investigating trans identities and the culture surrounding these very special pieces of art. Gabrielle Le Roux will also be in attendance for discussion and workshops.

A special screening of short films by Trans sex workers in Turkey will conclude the day’s events at 3pm.

For more information on the event please visit the official Facebook event page.

Free tickets are also now available for pre-booking for all events across the day. Details on these can be found here.

Inverclyde Council will fly a flag over its Municipal Buildings in Greenock, Scotland, to mark International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The rainbow flag will fly on Sunday 17 May 2015 over the Council’s Clyde Square headquarters.

The move comes after Provost Robert Moran asked members of the Policy and Resources sub-committee to agree to the Council’s support.

Provost Moran said: “The International Day aims to raise awareness of important issues that are global in their reach and local in their effect. It commemorates the day that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s Classification of Diseases. That marks how far we have come as a society, but it is an outrage that in our world people are ostracised, imprisoned and even executed simply because of who they love. As individuals we sometimes focus on what we can’t do. Flying a flag is a small act, but it can have large consequences by showing to those who would persecute that you have no place in Inverclyde and to those who suffer that we are there for you. I hope on Sunday you will join us in showing your own support for International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.”

In line with this year’s special focus the group will run a special social campaign celebrating the voices of inspiring young LGBT people and why they stand up for LGBT youth as young campaigners, as well as a mass public action in Central London.

On May 15th the group will also join with friends and partners to create a human rainbow on London’s Southbank in order to raise awareness for the problems facing LGBT youth across the world.

As part of the action Stonewall are invited people from across London to join them dressed in red, orange, yellow, green, blue or violet in order take part in the special action. If you’re interested in joining then please meet on Friday May 15th at 4pm under Jubilee Bridge with your chosen clothes.

Photos of the event will be taken and shared after the day through Stonewall’s website.

For more information on the event please contact Juliet Chard at juliet.chard@stonewall.org.uk

For a full panorama of UK events for May 17 please access the IDAHO UK website.

Some highlights for IDAHOT 2014 in the UK included:

Nationwide

A cross-party coalition of 13 UK Members of Parliament tabled an Early Day Motion (on April 8, 2014) formally welcoming the IDAHOT 2014, and calling on the government to move forward debate on the international classification of trans identities in terms of mental health conditions.

The Pansy Project, who on May 17 was in Brussels, Belgium, had also planned ‘guerilla gardening’ sessions in Brighton, Bristol, London, as well as internationally for IDAHOT. Together with LUSH Cosmetics Company, the Pansy Project organised for employees at LUSH shops in the three cities to plant pansies as the sites of homophobic hate crimes, and to promote debate about the actions with their customers. (More Info)

The Pansy Project & Lush in UK on IDAHOT 2014, Source: The Pansy Project

Once again this year, local authorities up and down the country have answered the Lesbian and Gay Foundation’s campaign call in ‘Flying the Flag’ for May 17, like in Bury where the city council raised the flag on May 16. (More Info).

Rainbow Flag in Bury IDAHOT 2014, Source: LG Foundation

Barclays has put the message for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on all 3,400 of its ‘hole in the wall’ machines. The screen shows a couple, with rainbow-painted fingernails and bracelets, joining hands and reveals that Barclays is working with the Lesbian and Gay Foundation to spread the word about IDAHO. The bank’s ATMs in the UK see 685,000 transactions a day, meaning the message will reach millions over the course of the seven-day campaign, culminating on IDAHO. More info here

England

Liverpool

In a pioneering and widely celebrated move, Liverpool Football Club marked May 17 this year with a series of events, including a discussion with community leaders, a photoshoot outside the club, and a guided tour of the grounds. The family of murdered local gay teenager, Michael Causer, were guests of honour at the events.

Liverpool Football Club, May 17, 2014: LGBTI communities come together with officials and representatives of the club.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Gary Millar and Paul Amann, Liverpool FC Supporters’ Committee LGBT representative both made short addresses to the guests about the importance of IDAHOBIT.

Paul Amann said: “This year’s marking of IDAHOBIT by Liverpool FC is another first and I am proud that the club is choosing to affirm its commitment to LGBT people and recognise our place in the LFC Family.”

Michelle Kirk, equality and inclusion advisor at Liverpool Football Club, added: “Liverpool FC is committed to promoting equality and diversity and wanted to mark this day with the key organisations it works alongside to help promote inclusion and raise awareness.”

Manchester

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation also launched a variety of initiatives for IDAHOBIT as part of their new campaign ‘The Rainbow Connection’ – to raise awareness of hate crime against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) people and to encourage reporting of hate crime. Events included:

• DUST OFF YOUR RAINBOW FLAGS: Rainbow Flag Flying from businesses, organisations and individuals, May 16-19
• IDAHOBIT 2014 HATE CRIME VIGIL: Special vigil in Sackville Gardens with guest speakers from the local community, May 17
• BAKE THE RAINBOW, SHARE THE RAINBOW: Encouraging people to bake their own ‘rainbow creation’ and collect donations for victims of Anti-LGBT hate crime
• LGF HATE CRIME REPORTING ‘WEB-APP’: The app was launched on May 17
• FILM SCREENING OF CALL ME KUCHU: May 16 at the LGF

IDAHOT Vigil for victims of Hate Crime in Sackville Gardens. Source: LG Foundation

Manchester Pride also hosted various events for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014, as part of an ‘IDAHOT weekend’, including ‘Run with Pride’ to help raise money for the Manchester Pride Community Fund, ‘Discuss with Pride’- a debate around the representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the media, and ‘Drink with Pride’, a cooperation with local bars and restaurants to host a competition for the best Manchester Pride cocktail.

London

With the title ‘Living in Prophetic Hope‘ and under the theme “Moving from Fear and Hopelessness to Spirit-led Action in Deeply Homophobic Communities”, various LGBTI christian groups came together in London, for a day’s workshop of prayer, film, reflection and talks. They also highlighted the role of christian churches in anti-LGBT rhetorics and violence, as the organisers stated ahead of the event: “It is our own Christian churches that play a crucial role in supporting homophobic rhetoric and policies of hatred in countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and Russia. Homophobia is also still very much present in the UK, as recent statements from the Anglican House of Bishops sadly attest. It is woven tightly into racism and classism; it feeds people’s irrational fears about immigrants, and ongoing repression within immigrant communities.”

On May 16, in celebration of IDAHOT Article 19 also co-ordinated a special meeting at the Free Word Centre in London with the theme ‘Speak Up and Speak Out! Freedom to express sexual orientation and gender identity’. GALHA, the LGBT Humanists organisation joined Article 19 in the preparations of the event. The evening brought together activists, policy experts and LGBT people for a discussion about the challenges LGBT people face in exercising their right to freedom of expression worldwide.

Speak Up and Speak Out! Special meeting in London, Source: GALHA LGBT Humanists

Meanwhile, Kaleidoscope Trust hosted it’s annual IDAHOT lecture, on Thursday May 15, with guest speaker Maurice Tomlinson: ‘Maurice is the Legal Advisor, Marginalized Groups for AIDS Free World and has been involved in HIV/AIDS and LGBT activism in the Caribbean for over 14 years. He is at the forefront of the campaign to decriminalise homosexuality, leading legal challenges across the region to have disciminatory laws repealed… In 2012 he was awarded the inaugural David Kato Vision and Voice Award, which celebrates the life and work of murdered Ugandan LGBT activist, David Kato…’. The organisers live-tweeted the event, so that everyone around the world could follow the lecture on Twitter. Parts of the lecture have been documented in this video:

Also, Trans*tastic is a mini film festival with over 20 movies from Trans* filmmakers and on Trans* issues which took place on May 10 and 17. It included shorts, features, documentaries and music videos on activism, community, love, trauma, dis_ability, friendships, family, coming-out, immigration and much more. All the money raised from this festival went towards Trans* health care. The programme on May 17 included:

• Trauma, Resistance+Healing: Nine short films talking about past and present Trans*discrimination, resistance and films as one way of coping and healing.
• Fiction, Arts+Animation: Nine short films by and about Trans* filmmakers, musicians and spoken word poets.
• Austin Unbound: A programme in American and British Sign Language around the topics of coming out, deafness, self-discovery and much more.

The district of Barking and Dagenham for the first time ever celebrated the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, with an event that was especially addressed at younger people. There was a film screening of the Stonewall film FIT about a group of 6 teenagers all in the same class from London who struggle with stereotyping, suffer homophobic bullying or are homophobic, on Saturday 17 May from 12 noon to 4pm with free popcorn and snacks. After the film there was space to discuss, connect and network. More details here.

Another highlight was the INCITE! IDAHO special at the Phoenix Artist Club on May 14-15. Maureen Duffy, ‘National Lesbian Treasure’, out since the early 60s, and author of 30 books, read poetry that illuminated her life. The event also featured for the very first time Trudy Howson’s new poem ‘IDAHO 14′. Also Pride in London was there with information on how local people could get involved with this year’s event. Afterwards there was a open mic event, and live in-house jazz. This cultural/social event was hosted by poet TRUDY HOWSON.

Norwich

Sing with Pride, the Norwich based choir from the LGBT community for everyone organised a singing workshop to celebrate IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) at Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane Norwich.

It was an exhilarating day of harmony singing for everyone who wants to sing – whether you think you can or not! 20 people were taught by Chris in his unique style with lashings of humour, oodles of fun and a firm but gentle hand on the steering wheel!
We learned a range of songs from around the world, in the original languages, in glorious unaccompanied harmony: African, gospel, Eastern European, New Zealand Maori and more.
Everything was taught by ear and the sound we created together was amazing – we even went for a little busk at the end!

Sing with Pride IDAHO Workshop 2014. Source: Sing with Pride

Sheffield

Sexual Health Sheffield, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Museums Sheffield in partnership with Sheffield City Council had orgainsed speeches and a One Minute Noise action, to raise awareness of how LGBT-phobias impact on community health and well-being. Later on May 17 there was also an ‘IDAHOT Live Late event’. ‘A chance to celebrate and will include music, talks, promenade theatre and arts activities from the Sheena Amos Youth Trust and a Big Bingo show with Timberlina and DJ Hey Baylen. The Big Bingo show is a riotous, hilarious rock-n-roll bingo adventure featuring spontaneous dance routines, sing-alongs, topical rants and terrific prizes…’ The event included a exhibition called ‘Living My Life’ and has also been exhibited in clinic reception areas, conference suites, university sites, health summits and other events integral to key dates such as LGBT History Month. The exhibition has gained overwhelming national praise for it’s positive messages and impact on the lives of trans people.

IDAHOT 2014 Sheffield. Source: Centre for HIV & Sexual Health

Exhibition ‘Living My Life’ in Sheffield. Source: Centre for HIV & Sexual Health

Brighton & Hove

Community groups from Brighton & Hove have joined for a day of events for IDAHOBIT, including music performances – together with The Brighton & Hove Rainbow Chorus – as well as community discussions, and a One Minute Noise against Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic hate crimes. Find more details here.
The program was as following:

• Procession of the Rainbow Flag
• Performances from The Brighton & Hove Rainbow Chorus.
• A minute’s ‘noise’ to remember the international victims of homo, bi and transphobic violence; (so bring a whistle, horn, bell, tambourine, trombone etc to make some noise!)
• Raising of the Rainbow flag and release of confetti as a symbol of hope for the future.
• Speeches from key personalities within the LGBT community.

The University of Brighton’s Equality & Diversity Unit has also commemorated IDAHOBIT with a screening of the film, ‘Bette Bourne: It Goes with the Shoes’, on May 22, which also formed part of the Brighton Fringe Festival.

With acclaimed playwright Mark Ravenhill as a guide, the film sheds light on a hidden part of gay history and paints an uproarious and moving portrait of an engaging and charismatic gay hero; from the early meetings of the Gay Liberation Front; to the first mass gay protests in Europe; to life in a gay drag commune and a European road trip with drag superstars, The Bloolips, a real life, Priscilla Queen of the Desert style adventure.

Northhampton

Northampton Borough Council and the LGBTQ People’s Forum had invited to the Guildhall to make some noise on May 16 to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia with speeches and noise. Councillors and representatives from community groups joined the action with speeches and making noise against Anti-LGBT violence.

Middlesbrough

Hart Gables & Middlesbrough community Pride have teamed together to create an event in support of IDAHO 2014 on May 17 which included

• Balloon Release, Mima, Centre Square, Middlesbrough
• Constantine Lecture Theatre, Teesside University Campus a film showing of BETTE BOURNE – It goes with the shoes
• ‘Equality Climb’ Roseberry Topping – As part of the ‘flying the flag event’

Birmingham

At Birmingham University, LGBTQ Association committee representatives were outside SPAR in the Guild of Students from 11am-3pm on May 15 with information and resources about IDAHOBIT.

IDAHOT 2014 at University of Birmingham. Source: Birmingham LGBTQ

Scotland

In commemoration of IDAHOT, Edinburgh presented its first ever Dyke March through the city centre. Jo Clifford, Edinburgh playwright and performer, also gave a speech at the march. After the march, there was also an open event, the IDAHO Pride Fundraiser EXTRAVAGANZA at the Teviot Row House with wine and fun activities to celebrate equality and to pay tribute to the people who fight for it.

Northern Ireland

As part of an Ireland-wide set of religious services in commemoration of the IDAHOT 2014, Changing Attitude Ireland (C.A.I.), a Church of Ireland organisation with ecumenical friends arranged events in Belfast, Derry and Newry, next to other actions in Republic of Ireland.

In Derry, there was also a afternoon of activities which took place at the Cafe Soul and included family-friendly activities such as balloon modelling, face painting etc. With the event, the organisers intented to bring people together to celebrate diversity and acceptance, to raise awareness of homophobia and transphobia and to include Derry/Londonderry in this years IDAHOT global celebrations. LGBT Northern Ireland is a voluntary organisation established to support and help people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and their families. For more details on LGBT Northern Ireland/IDAHOT Derry go to their Facebook page.

Aside from the religious service, in Belfast there was also a week of events for May 17. The Northern Ireland Anti Homophobia and Transphobia Week 2014 was launched at Belfast City Hall on Monday 12th May at 10.30am. There was a series of events for the following days, including the launch of LGB/T Homelessness Research Report, Walk a Mile in my Shoes with Strabane & Lifford LGBT Group, a panel discussion on dealing with the issues of homophobia, transphobia and queer kinship in Northern Irish society through arts, culture and social engagement and many more.

Anti Homophobia and Transphobia Week Northern Ireland. Source: So Me, Equality Commission

Wales

Swansea

The Swansea Bay LGBT Unity Project had organised a 50+ LGBT Brunch Club on May 17.

IDAHOT 2014 actions in Swansea. Source: The Swansea Bay LGBT Unity Project

Speak Up and Speak Out: Freedom to express sexual orientation and gender identity

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. However, many people are silenced because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or for speaking out on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The evening will bring together activists, policy experts and LGBT people for a lively and international discussion about the challenges LGBT people face in exercising their right to freedom of expression worldwide.

To join the discussion online or ask questions in advance follow the hashtag #IDAHOTSpeakUp

The event will take place on Friday 16 May, 6 – 8.30pm at the Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA and is part of the Islington Word Festival 2014.

Speakers:

David Diaz-Jogeix, ARTICLE 19 (Chair)
Lela Kogbara, Islington Council
Alistair Stewart, Kaleidoscope Trust
Anthony Obinna OBIDIKE, Justice for Gay Africans
J Tebble, All About Trans
Derek Lennard, GALHA

The panel discussion will be followed by a drinks reception to allow the discussion to continue informally.

The event is free but please RSVP in advance on this site.