The 17th May marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). It is a day to reflect, to raise our voices, and to demand an end to the systemic violence, discrimination, and stigma that continue to harm LGBTQI+ people globally. At ATHENA, we understand that the fight against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia is not just about equality, safety, dignity and the end of discrimination, it is also about the right to health and life.
For lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans women and gender-diverse people, the right to health is perpetually under attack. Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia not only show up in discrimination and violent attacks, they also manifest in violent laws and the refusal of care, safety and respect. They manifest in healthcare facilities where LGBTQI+ people are denied services and/or exposed to judgment. Many LGBTQI+ people are excluded from their communities and/or rejected from their homes and forced to hide who they are. Similarly, some people must live in secrecy at home, school and/or in the workplace.
Experiences like these, linked to discrimination, compromise mental health. According to a 2024 study, “persistent discrimination, exclusion, and heteronormative expectations are identified as social determinants that contribute to heightened stress levels, resulting in increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality.”
For LGBTQ+ people living with HIV, the layers of stigma are increased. Many are blamed for their HIV status and denied care. Mental health support is largely inaccessible, particularly for those navigating criminalisation, displacement, poverty and other forms of discrimination. And yet their mental health needs and their experiences are often left out of mainstream public health and mental health responses.
This IDAHOBIT, we call for collective action to end homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, and in so doing, we are one step closer to ensuring that everyone’s right to health and dignity is protected. Likewise, it is critical for promoting safety, acceptance, a sense of belonging and care. It affirms that the lives of LGBTQI+ people matter.
As an intersectional feminist network, ATHENA stands in solidarity with all LGBTQI+ people fighting for their rights to life, to safety, health, financial security, housing and dignity. Today and every day, we commit to contributing to creating an inclusive and affirming future where everyone has access to life-saving care in all ways and with dignity.