May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

May 17, or the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia—as it is widely recognised—is an essential feature in the international LGBT rights calendar. In the 9th edition, in 2013, commemorations took place in almost 120 countries, in all world regions.

The day aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. The date of May 17 was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.

Events taking place around the world on May 17th aim to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBT communities worldwide and provide an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue with the media, policymakers, public opinion, and wider civil society on this issue.

We encourage all PSAC members to celebrate this important day. Find out more at www.homophobiaday.org