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International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

The day, as a concept, was conceived in 2004. A year-long campaign culminated in the first International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, 2005. 24,000 individuals as well as organizations such as the International Le***an and Gay Association (ILGA), the International Gay and Le***an Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), the World Congress of LGBT Jews, and the Coalition of African Le***ans signed an appeal to support the "IDAHO initiative" (named after the U.S. state with the same name). Activities for the day took place in many countries, including the first LGBT events ever to take place in the Congo, China, and Bulgaria. In the UK, the campaign was coordinated by the Gay and Le***an Humanist Association (GALHA).

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

The main purpose of the May 17 mobilizations is to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBT communities worldwide, which in turn provides an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue with the media, policymakers, public opinion, and wider civil society.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_Against_Homophobia,_Biphobia_and_Transphobia

Image Description: Progressive Pride flag with a white circle on top. Within the circle, the text reads, " International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia May 17"

May 2012: President Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. President to endorse same-sex marriage.

May 2014: Same-sex marriage became legal in Oregon and Pennsylvania

Image Description: Pride flag shaped heart behind text that says "This Week in LGBTQ History". Various hands at the bottom holding different Pride flags.