International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT)2021

17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT).  The day is marked worldwide, including in 37 countries where same-sex acts are still illegal.  The day was created in 2004 as a response to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, as well as all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The date of 17 May was chosen as this was the date in 1990 when the World Health Organisation finally declassified homosexuality as a mental illness.  Despite this, LGBT+ people across the world continue to face hate, discrimination and violence.

The theme for IDAHoBiT in 2021 is 'Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!'  You can read more about it on the official website.

Marking IDAHoBiT

Listen to the UK's LGBT+ Poet Laureate, Trudy Howson, read a poem to commemorate IDAHoBiT in 2015 (youtube), aiming to build up tolerance and understanding.  You can read more about Trudy Howson and her work on her website.

Listen to a recording of a poem from staff and students from Leeds Beckett University (youtube).

Local charity Touchstone are curating an online gallery of creative work in response to IDAHoBiT.  If you have any of your own work to share, you can also contribute to it!

You can read and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #IDAHoBiT

IDAHoBiT is also on Facebook.

 

Reporting homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at the University

The University of Leeds believes that every member of staff and every student should be treated with dignity and respect, and has the right to work, study and be taught in a supportive environment that is free from harassment, bullying and victimisation. 

The University Policy on Dignity and Mutual Respect (PDF) is the University’s policy against bullying, harassment and victimisation. This document outlines complaints procedures for staff and students, along with sources of advice and support. 

Societies and Networks

Contact the LGBT+ Staff Network to find more information and details of activities and events.

Contact the Leeds University Union LGBT+ Society to find information about activities and how to join.

Trans/Non-binary/Intersex meet-up  

The Trans/Non-binary/Intersex staff meet-up group is open to PGR students and staff. For further details, please email: trans@leeds.ac.uk 

LGBT+ Role Models and Allies

Read more about the University’s LGBT+ Role Models and Allie. If you would like to be featured as a Role Model or an Ally yourself, you will find a form to fill in on the site.  You can also contact the LGBT+ Staff Network or the Equality & Inclusion Unit if you would like more information.

Support for LGBT+ people during the pandemic

Research has shown that Covid-19 has had a disproportionate effect on LGBT+ people (PDF).  Stonewall have compiled a list of LGBT-friendly support organisations.

LGBT HERO is a national health and wellbeing charity for LGBT+ people.  They provide information on all health issues affecting the LGBT+ community including a wealth of information on support during the pandemic.

There is a summary of useful and LGBT+ relevant resources available on the EIU coronavirus web page. Please share these resources with your networks.

Support within the University

• LUU Student Help & Support
• University Equality & Inclusion Co-ordinators
• University Equality & Inclusion policies
• Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service
• Staff Counselling and Psychological Support Service

Further Support

Other organisations which can provide support and information:

• Gendered Intelligence – a charity working with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives
• Stonewall – providing information and support for everyone in the LGBT+ community
• LGBT Foundation – the UK’s largest health and community charity supporting the needs of LGBT+ people
• Non-Binary Leeds – peer-led support and social group for non-binary people in Leeds and the surrounding areas
• Trans Leeds – Leeds based support group for Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming people
• GIRES – an organisation working to improve the lives of trans and non-binary people, their friends, families and colleagues
• Proud ‘N’ Diverse – non-profit LGBTQI+ support and social group based in Leeds City Centre