The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) was conceived in 2004 to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence experienced by LGBTIQ individuals. The history of IDAHOBIT dates back to 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), thereby taking an important first step towards addressing and removing the stigma towards non-normative gender and sexual identities. Since then, May 17 has been observed globally as an important day to advocate for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) individuals and to call for the repeal of discriminatory laws and allied practices that criminalize and stigmatize LGBTIQ identities.
As of today, over 60 countries around the world still criminalize consensual same-sex sexual conduct out of which 11 countries —Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, Iran, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen—retain the death penalty as a possible punishment for same-sex sexual conduct. Further, crackdowns against LGBTIQ rights defenders have significantly increased, backed by new repressive laws that create an environment of hostility and fear. These laws, that are often vaguely worded, allow law enforcement officials to disproportionately target individuals based on their real or perceived SOGIESC and engage in hostile behavior with absolute impunity. Against the backdrop of these hostile legal and political conditions and limited funding resources, LGBTIQ rights defenders often struggle to continue their work.
“While there have been several noteworthy legal advancements in the context of LGBTIQ rights in Asia, the increasingly worrying clampdown on human rights, especially in the form of laws that target freedom of expression and association, has presented newer challenges for the future of LGBTIQ activism. Our advocacy for decriminalisation needs to be more inclusive and reflective of the lived realities of LGBTIQ persons who live under oppressive legal and political regimes. As we observe IDAHOBIT today, we call for the repeal of all discriminatory legal provisions that can be misused against LGBTIQ individuals, sex workers and other vulnerable groups,” said Ajita Banerjie, Senior Research and Policy Officer, ILGA Asia.
While there have been setbacks, there were also several meaningful gains which have emboldened the spirit of LGBTIQ activists in Asia. Hong Kong recognized same-sex partnerships, as well as equal parental status of a same-sex couple thereby setting a milestone towards equality and inclusion for the legal recognition of queer families in Asia. The Japan Supreme Court held that requiring transgender persons to undergo sterilization surgery, in order to legally change their gender markers, is unconstitutional, marking a significant step towards the recognition of transgender rights. The India Supreme Court, while denying the right to marry to same-sex couples, upheld that transgender persons can legally marry if one of the partners is a (legal) man and another is a (legal) woman.
“Today, as we commemorate IDAHOBIT, we must also confront the harrowing realities faced by LGBTIQ individuals in zones of conflict, especially our queerblings enduring the ongoing war in Gaza. In times like these, the most vulnerable among us often face the gravest dangers, making our call to action more urgent than ever. Let us harness the spirit of this day to advocate for the ceaseless protection and promotion of queer rights, ensuring that amidst the chaos of conflict, no one is left behind— especially not our queerblings in the most precarious situations.” Henry Koh, Executive Director at ILGA Asia. “Our efforts at ILGA Asia are steadfast in fighting for the dignity, visibility, and safety of LGBTIQ people everywhere. As we observe this significant day, we must intensify our collective action, reaffirming our commitment to not just fight for visibility but also the very survival of our community. Our work is far from over, and it is in the solidarity and bravery of our collective action that we find the strength to push forward."
ILGA Asia is committed to working towards the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ rights in Asia, and around the world, by continuing to fight against structural discrimination and promoting access to justice for all. Our efforts strive to work within the framework of diversity, intersectionality and inclusivity in all areas of our work as we remain committed to creating more just, tolerant and inclusive societies. Join us in our efforts, as we mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia, and work to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity & expression and sex characteristics, is able to live, love and work with safety and dignity.
For further queries
Nadine Hassan, Senior Communications Officer - nadine@ilgaasia.org
Ajita Banerjie, Senior Research and Policy Officer - ajita@ilgaasia.org