In commemoration of the World Health Organisation’s declassification of homosexuality as an illness in 1990, May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. (Here in Australia we call it IDAHOBIT - International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism/Interphobia and Transphobia.)
This year’s theme is Justice and Protection For All. To celebrate the theme, check out the stories of a few queer people who have fought for justice and protection for their community:
Harvey Milk - one of America’s first openly gay politicians, who said in his famous “hope speech”: “…you’ve got to elect gay people, so that that young child and the thousands upon thousands like that child, know that there’s hope for a better world, there’s hope for a better tomorrow.“
Marsha P. Johnson - one of the founders of the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, who provided housing, legal support, and other services to homeless trans youth.
Stormé DeLarverie - the drag-king and bouncer who protected New York’s gay bars for four decades, saying: “I consider myself a well-paid babysitter of my people...”
If you’re not already celebrating, I’d also encourage you to check out the official website to find events in your area!
