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The University is marking International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia this Sunday, 17 May.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was first celebrated in 2004 to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The day represents a major global annual landmark to take action and engage in dialogue with the media, policymakers, public opinion, and wider civil society.

The date of 17 May was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

One of the stated goals of May 17 is to create an event that can be visible at a global level without needing to conform to a specific type of action. This decentralized approach is needed due to the diversity of social, religious, cultural, and political contexts in which rights violations occur.

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