Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Do you know why May 17 was chosen—and what other two key civil rights events happened on the same date?
On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses—which is why the day is now observed as IDAHOBIT, “a global moment of solidarity and collective action for LGBTQIA+ communities.” The event is now observed in more than 155 countries, including 35 where same-sex acts are illegal.
This year’s theme is “At the heart of democracy,” which the organizers say is “a powerful reminder that the soil of truly democratic societies must be rich in meaningful equity and justice for all, fostering the flourishing of the entire community.”
Previous U.S. presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama had marked the day with statements of solidarity and recaps of their work towards the human rights of LGBTQ people. Hillary Clinton also did so way back in 2011 when she was secretary of state. The current U.S. administration? Let’s just say that they’re among the ones in need of this “powerful reminder.”
Today’s date is also significant because of two other civil rights milestones: Starting on May 17, 2004, same-sex couples could legally marry in Massachusetts—the first U.S. state to permit them to do so. (Bonus LGBTQ parenting fun fact: Four of the five plaintiff couples in the lawsuit that won marriage equality were parents.)
And on May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark decision striking down racial segregation in education.
Take a moment today, then, to celebrate how far we’ve come in many aspects of civil rights, even as we acknowledge that we are sliding backwards in other ways and still have much work to do. Then let’s go do it.
I hope you will also take part in another upcoming moment of solidarity and visibility on June 1, 2026, the 21st Annual LGBTQ Families Day, a time to celebrate all families with LGBTQ people in them and to show their strength, elevate their collective stories, and reaffirm allies’ support.