IDAHOBIT 2026: Taking a Stand Against Discrimination

Post published:May 17, 2026
Post category:Articles

IDAHOBIT, or International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, is observed in over 130 countries around the world on May 17th since 2005. The date on which IDAHOBIT falls was chosen for a specific reason: it was the day when, in 1990, the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Prior to that, the WHO and the countries which used them as a torchbearer for health policy, classified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Imagine, if you would, telling a heterosexual person that their sexuality was a mental disorder. It sounds utterly ridiculous, doesn’t it? It is much the same to queer folks, be they homosexual, bisexual, transgender, or others within the rainbow coalition; our sexuality is NOT a mental disorder – it is the way we were born.The IDAHOBIT event didn't coalesce out of nothing: over 24,000 individuals and organizations agreed to make this happen. Organizations such as The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), The Coalition of African Lesbians, the World Congress of LGBT Jews, and others, signed on to the IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia) initiative as it was known at the time. In 2009 it expanded to IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) due to our Trans siblings being more acutely targeted with hateful violence and discrimination. Finally, in 2015, it was expanded yet again to IDAHOBIT which is the current acronym, in an attempt to fight bisexual erasure. In many countries around the world, same-sex relationships are still criminalized, and in some countries,…

Big Gay BBQ 6: THANK YOU!

Post published:May 10, 2026
Post category:Events

To everyone who attended our 6th annual Big Gay BBQ on Saturday, May 9, 2026: thanks to your support, we raised $1,000 for QMUNITY! The Unifor Local 111 Pride Committee started the Big Gay BBQ in 2021 just as a way to build solidarity within our local. We’ve kept it going because we saw how much many members appreciated the opportunity to be in a safe, accepting space where everyone is welcome! On Saturday (and in past years too) we welcomed members of other unions who also expressed their gratitude at being able to attend a fun, friendly, and inviting union event. The solidarity was strong. Our first Big Gay BBQ was on a sunny day in September 2021, but we decided to move it to May the next year and use it as an opportunity to raise awareness and support of something important to our community: International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. This is celebrated globally on May 17 to mark the day in 1990 when homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization. Qmunity, the organization we often choose to support with donations, is a cornerstone organization in our community that does so much important work, from youth programs to seniors’ programs to legal assistance. Based in Vancouver, they work their hardest to spread their resources as much as possible across the province of BC. Once again, thank you to everyone for your support on Saturday and over the last six…

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, & Transphobia

Post published:May 10, 2025
Post category:Articles

May 17 marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) This date commemorates the decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization (WHO). IDAHOBIT serves as a rallying point for global activism, uniting voices across more than 130 countries in the fight for equality, respect, and human rights for all. Standing in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Unifor proudly champions this journey towards equality and justice. As an ally, Unifor emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and advocates for the rights of all individuals, recognizing that love, identity, and expression should never be stigmatized. By supporting initiatives that promote awareness and acceptance, Unifor helps to create safer spaces where everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination. In a landmark moment of progress for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, the American Psychiatric Association’s board of trustees made a historical decision on December 15, 1973, unanimously voting to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. This pivotal shift marked a significant acknowledgment of the dignity and validity of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance within society.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia

Post published:May 17, 2022
Post category:Events

Every year on May 17, we celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. This is often shorted to IDAHOT or IDAHOBIT. The day was created to mark the World Health Organization's (WHO) important step to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder on May 17, 1990. More than 30 years later, it is still an important occasion on which we call on local authorities, politicians, decision-markers, and the general public to recognize, support, and advance the rights of queer people around the world. This year, as we have done for many years now, the Unifor Local 111 Pride Committee attended Qmunity's annual IDAHOT Breakfast fundraiser to mark the annual event.