Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This international event, was created in 2004 to draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.
The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the day on which the World Health Organization’s decided to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Significantly, today marks 25 years since this declassification.
The central website for the day (often referred to using the acronyms ID.A.HO or IDAHOT) describes the purpose and motivation for activities as follows:
‘The Day represents an annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms.
May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal, with 1600 events reported from 1280 organizations in 2014. These mobilisations unite millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.’
To mark today, I’d like to share with you a small selection of objects from the V&A collections which relate to concerns regarding the visibility, recognition and value of LGBTQ people …
Given by Eleanor M. Hollyer
NB: We will be writing much more about the very interesting life and work of Edward Carpenter in the future.
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
NB: The box at the bottom of this poster was intentionally left blank for the different groups to write their local Gay Switchboard telephone number.
Given by the Greenwich Mural Workshop
Given by Andrew Shanahan
