Ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), celebrated annually on May 17, HRC hosted its inaugural Global Innovative Advocacy Summit. The four-day event brought together established and emerging leaders from around the world to discuss how they have advanced equality, showcasing projects and approaches that have helped improve the lives of LGBTQ people in their countries and communities.

More info and bios of all innovators on HRC website

In Gainesville, Florida, churchgoers and LGBT campaigners will gather for a public event to mark IDAHOT 2016. More information here.

In San Francisco SF Pride will kick off the local pride season on May 17th with a fundraising event. All money made will go towards upcoming pride events for the San Francisco area.

Please note: This section is still awaiting several  updates and is not yet complete. For regular news and updates please follow us on Twitter or Facebook. 

Despite the day cooinciding with graduation season for many students, young people were especially involved in the day, helping to run and plan events, as well as supporting their local community in many different ways.

In Washington D.C. President Barack Obama once again used the day to officially reaffirm his commitment to the equality of the LGBT community. Similar statements of support were also made by State Secretary John Kerry, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, National Security Advisor Susan E Rice and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

In Congress over 60 members cosigned the ‘Congressional resolution in support of the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia’ which was introduced by Congresswomen Barbara Lee.

The resolution outlined the specific effects of anti-LGBT violence, homelessness and healthy issues seen within LGBT communities and acknowledged government’s role in alleviating these issues. Speaking during her announcement on the subject Congresswomen Lee stated “No young person should feel unsafe in their school, community or home because of their gender identity”.

Members of the country’s diplomatic authorities also helped to promote the day on an international level. Several American embassies across the world, including those in Laos, Madagascar, India, Armenia and many more, marked the day in several ways.

In many European countries staff members simply marked the day with an official statement, or symbolic action. In Madrid the openly gay Ambassador to Andorra and Spain, James Costos, proudly raised the rainbow flag above his embassy. In Oslo, Berlin, Stockholm, Vienna and several other cities the day was marked in a similar manner.

In Armenia US ambassador Richard Mills took further action to support the day by meeting with local equality campaigners to discuss support of their work. Activists were also supported in India, Jamaica and Argentina, as well as several other countries, and US embassy staff attended several official actions marking the day.

An overview of the support to IDAHOT actions by US missions is provided by Glifaa (the organisation of LGBT civil servants in US entities with foreign affairs components) HERE

The day was also supported by USAID (the United States Agency for International Development), who promoted the day online through various social media outlets. By sharing online resources, articles and messages of support the agency helped to raise awareness of the day among an audience mostly within developing countries where LGBT issues are sometimes rarely addressed.

Links related to IDAHOT were shared on the day through the USAID official Twitter and Facebook accounts, as well as by several other accounts run by smaller branches of the agency. The department’s website also published a number of articles around the day highlighting the work being done by campaigners, charity workers and activists around the world to improve the situation for international LGBT groups.

USAID’s Senior LGBT Coordinator, Todd Larson, was also featured in the Huffington Post in which he wrote about the work being done to empower LGBTI citizens throughout the world.

In New York the United Nations’ Free & Equal campaign launched their campaign for IDAHOT 2015 with a special video promoting the day. The video, which featured individuals from the LGBTI community as well as a special appearance from UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon, aimed to raise awareness and combat prejudice and stereotypes surrounding the LGBTI community by depicting individuals from a wide range of backgrounds in the diverse roles they hold within society. The video was released in the week leading up to IDAHOT online, and also premiered at New York’s Times Square, where it was broadcast for an entire day on one of the square’s giant outdoor screens.

American-based human rights campaign group and monitor, Human Rights Watch, marked the day with the release of a special app highlighting the current legal situations faced by LGBTI individuals across the world. The app uses data complied by the group to provide an up-to-date overview of the global LGBTI situation, as well as an extensive list of challenges faced by groups in their individuals countries.

The app also provides further information on the legal methods employed by countries to persecute LGBTI individuals, as well the punishments faced and the regions in which the situation is most severe.

Anti-bullying project It Gets Better marked the day by mobilising partners across the world to support the international LGBT community. Alongside local partner organisations IGB mobilised their global affiliates to organise in Portugal, Mexico, Italy, Chile, Moldova, Brazil and Australia.

Back in The States, the group worked with artist and campaigner Daniel Arzola to create a series of artworks depicting the many backgrounds and identities seen with the LGBT community. The series was released online with the aim of fostering diversity within America’s LGBTI groups. IGB also helped promote the day online by encouraging supporters to learn more about the project, and to engage themselves with local actions.

The American Psychological Association this year called upon American schools to become places of safety for young people as part of their commitment to IDAHOT. The group offered policy and program advice, as well as information about training and practices to help educational professionals improve their local situation for LGBTI youth. As well as promoting the day on a national level the group also released a special guide for university students and graduates on how to best engage with the day from a psychological background.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) marked the day with a special event in partnership with the UN Foundation and the United Nations Free & Equal Campaign. The event was held in Washington DC and attended by the HRC’s Global Director Ty Cobb, as well as the State Department’s Special Envoy for LGBT Rights, Randy Berry, and several UN members. During the event Berry drew attention to the important work being done by both state and independent groups towards the promotion of LGBT rights, and also praised several aspects being seen from the US.

The HRC also released a special video made for the day in which their team of special Youth Ambassadors shared their experiences working with the group and the broader LGBTI community. The ambassadors, made up of LGBT and ally youth from a broad range of backgrounds, were brought together by the HRC to advocate for and highlight the importance of LGBT issues facing young people across the world.

Also in Washington, advocacy group Human Rights First commemorated the day by hosting a Congressional briefing and reception highlighting the work of leading activists in the Caribbean. As part of the event Jamaican human rights defender Angeline Jackson, who was recently recognised for her work by President Obama during an official trip to Kingston, was invited to speak about her work with the LGBT community.

The Council for Global Equality also hosted an event for IDAHOT at the Art Museum of the Americas at the OAS on May 20. The event featured a speech and introduction by Senator Markey of Massachusetts and the events keynote was delivered by Randy Berry, Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons. The 130+ guests included government officials from the US Gov., Embassy officials from Argentina-Netherlands-Serbia-Brazil, and human rights activists/organizations. At this event Randy Berry launched his official twitter account with a video.

Campaign group NOH8 marked the day by releasing a special version of one of their iconic images. The image, depicting activists from the LGBT community ‘silenced’ with tape, was shared alongside a message of support with the LGBTI community in order to raise awareness and engagement for the day. The group also encouraged their supporters to engage with local events, and the day as a whole.

Health and education advocates Planned Parenthood highlighted the day with an article on their website, which discussed the work being done to promote health issues within the LGBTI community.

The Arcus Foundation also marked the day with online messages of support. The group also helped to promote the day through promotion on social media, as well as further support of their partner groups and individual activists.

LGBT leadership advocates and advising firm Out Leadership released a small series of images online to mark the day. These images featured quotes and images of LGBT global leaders from various backgrounds that helped to promote the idea of equality across all walks of life, including business and industry.

Also in the realm of business was the action taken by communications company Orange, who distributed posters in support of LGBT employees across 700 sites in America and parts of Europe.

Across the country the day, and events organised for it, were covered by a wide range of press outlets. Many events on a local level received coverage from local news outlets, while the day as a whole was covered by several larger publications, including the Huffington Post and the Advocate, both of whom published op-ed pieces highlighting the importance of May 17^th within the LGBT community. The day was also covered on television and radio across the country.

In Washington State local government helped support the day after the Metropolitan King County Council officially proclaimed May 17^th as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in a motion backed by local origanisations POW!, the Safe School Coalition and Supporting LGBTQ Youth.

In Atlanta, the Young Democrats of Georgia held a special ‘cookout-potluck’ in celebration of the day. The event took part in Atlanta’s Piedmont park and saw local activists invite the community for a day of food and celebration of the LGBTI community.

In Las Vegas local campaigners organised a special brunch to celebrate sexual and gender diversity. The event, attended by over 100 people, featured live music, free HIV testing and a special drag performance. A portion of funds raised was also donated to local LGBT charities.

In Palm Springs, California, campaigners from the Trans Community Project organised a candlelit vigil to remember the victims of transphobic violence lost in 2014 and 2015. The vigil promoted the message ‘#TransLivesMatter’. As part of the vigil supports remembered the lives of at least 35 known individuals who had died as a result of violence, neglect or suicide in their local community.

Organisers also used the event to raise awareness for the ongoing situation faced by many trans* individuals, in which they called upon an end to violence as well as increased support for the victims of transphobia. The event was also streamed live online and was covered by several local news outlets.

While many more small events took part across the country we are unable to list them all here. Of the many actions confirmed by activists and organisers this is no doubt just a small selection. From all backgrounds and all ages, it has been incredible to see people come together across the country to advocate on the issues facing their local communities. This year IDAHOT has been an incredible success for so many people and once again Americans have proven themselves to be some of the most engages in both local and international issues.

The statement speaks of an American commitment to the human rights and dignity of the LGBT community, and also notes that ‘all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination.’

The statement is not President Obama’s first time addressing IDAHOT while in office, following an earlier message of support made in 2014. As well as drawing attention to the day, the President’s words of encouragement helped support the hard work being done by American communities on the advancement on LGBTI equality.

The full statement reads:

Michelle and I join our fellow Americans and others around the world in commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia tomorrow, May 17. We take this opportunity to reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights, to celebrate the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are of whom they love.

We work toward this goal every day. Here at home, we are working to end bias-motivated violence, combat discrimination in the workplace, and address the specific needs of transgender persons. Overseas, I am proud of the steps that the United States has taken to prioritize the protection and promotion of LGBT rights in our diplomacy and global outreach.

There is much more to do, and this fight for equality will not be won in a day. but we will keep working, at home and abroad, and we will keep fighting, for however long it takes until we are all able to live free and equal in dignity and rights.

Read the Statement on White House site

“Unfortunately, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination against the LGBT community can still be found in communities across our nation and around the world. Whether it is in the form of hatred, exclusion, bigotry or violence, it is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Lee.  “I hope this resolution is another step in the direction of full equality and acceptance for all.”

The resolution outlines the specific effects of anti-LGBT violence, homelessness and health disparities, especially related to mental health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. 

Anti-LGBT violence is the third most frequent bias crime in the United States, amongst those reporting these crimes. Transgender women, people of color and young people often face the most severe violence as a result of these crimes.

The resolution expresses particular concern for school-age victims of homophobia and transphobia. 

According to a 2011 survey by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, eighty percent of students that identify as LGBT were harassed because of their sexual orientation in the last year.  Sixty-four percent of them felt unsafe at school and thirty percent had skipped an entire day of school in the past month because of safety concerns. 

“No young person should feel unsafe in their school, community or home because of their gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.  Ensuring the safety and health of our young people should be our highest priority,” added Congresswoman Lee, who serves on the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees education funding.

]]> https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/us-congress-resolution-recognizes-idahot/feed/ 0 https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/idahot-report-2014-united-states/ https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/idahot-report-2014-united-states/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:21:21 +0000 http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/?p=7535 United States

In the United States, President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and Vice-President Joe Biden released statements and tweets of support for the worldwide May 17 mobilisations this year. A nationwide initiative to demand full and equal non-discrimination protections as a human rights imperative co-ordinated a ‘Day of Organising’, with some activity taken around May 17 in 30 states. Particularly strong mobilisations were registered this year in Atlanta in the state of Georgia, Omaha in Nebraska, and New Orleans in Louisiana, with street marches, exhibitions and many other events stretching out around the Day.

In fact, many major LGBTI rights NGOs and campaigns working nationwide in the country marked the Day with statements of support, online campaigns, news articles or other initiatives. A major US-based international anti-bullying campaign launched a major series of campaigns and messages of support on May 17 and mobilised and supported its local affiliates in various countries to take action for the IDAHOT.

This article will be updated in the coming days, as we aim to capture the full scale and diversity of events in the United Stated this year.

The White House statement now follows in full:

WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2014

Statement by the President on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Tomorrow, as we commemorate the 10th annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, we recommit ourselves to the fundamental belief that all people should be treated equally, that they should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that no one should face violence or discrimination — no matter who they are or whom they love.

This year, the United States celebrates the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, and the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. In doing so, we reflect on lessons learned from our own civil rights struggles and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the human rights of all people are universally protected.

At a time when, tragically, we are seeing increased efforts to criminalize or oppress LGBT persons, we call on partners everywhere to join us in defending the equal rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters, and in ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Photo: Stop Homophobia and Transphobia rally, hosted by Nebraskans for Equality

Pride New Orleans will be celebrating IDAHOT on May 17 with ‘ADD YOUR VOICE! TELL YOUR STORY!’
The organisers have prepared a day of action which will aim towards three things:

• Call for the end of hate and call for full federal equality
• Give space to share your story
• The Equality Pledge, how to get involved and what to do next will be discussed during and after the event.

The event will start at 2:00pm and takes place at Washington Artillery Park French Quarter in New Orleans on May 17.
For further details please go to the Pride New Orleans website or visit them on Facebook.

IDAHOT ~ Celebrating Sexual & Gender Diversities
In Omaha, the House of Loom will host a IDAHOT party under the theme ‘Celebrating Sexual & Gender Diversities’ on May 17, 10pm-2am (the event is for 21+ only)

► DJ Raven Fox via NYC/St Louis + Brent Crampton
► Hosts Karma Lilola & Nicholas Wasserberger
► Lip painter/photo booth for #kissthepride campaign
► $5 / All proceeds will be donated to – dayagainsthomophobia.org

To celebrate, we’re bringing in our near and dear friend, Mr. Raven Fox from NYC via St. Louis. He was a friend and assistant to Artist Keith Haring in the 80’s and has strong ties to many civil rights movements. This is an old but new mission, one which we hope will take shape in the fo of weaving the social fabric through dance with this journey led by Maestro Raven Fox in the booth.

We’re also bringing in some of our favorite LGBT ally performers to entertain you – Karma Lilola & Nicholas Wasserberger of The Church of Tomorrow. Open DJ set from Brent Crampton.

For details on the event, please visit their homepage or check it out on Facebook.

Stop Homophobia! Stop Transphobia!
A rally has been organised to call for the end of hate and call for full federal equality. The event will be in Omaha, Nebraska at 72 Dodge Street Intersection the northwest corner at 2pm. During and after will be a time to discuss the Equality Pledge, how to get involved, and what to do next. The rally will begin at 2pm.
For further details check out the event page.
For more information about the Pledge you can read this article or go directly to website.

Grounded in The Pledge for Full LGBT Equality, supported by over 200 groups in 44 states, state groups and grassroots activists are joining forces in 2014 to form a united front for full federal civil rights on the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that now protects all other minorities except the LGBT community. The action is on IDAHOT to invoke help from the international community to pressure the U.S. government to outlaw discrimination against LGBT Americans, as an international human rights duty affirmed by the United Nations. And also in proud solidarity with LGBTIQ people worldwide, to shine a beacon of hope across the globe to inspire all activists to rise up, not only for safety from arrest, but for full LGBT freedom and equality as a human right to which we are all entitled. Please email equalitypledge@gmail.com to join us. LGBT Equality Worldwide Now!

Find the pledge here!

Stop Homophobia! Stop Transphobia!

In Omaha, Nebraska a day of action is going to do two things: call for the end of hate and call for full federal equality. The Equality Pledge, how to get involved and what to do next will be discussed during and after the event
The event will take place at 2pm on 72 Dodge Street Intersection the northwest corner.
Look here for more details.