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Posted on 24 May 2022

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination often experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people and others with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities/expressions, and/or sex characteristics.

The date of May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify what it then described as ‘homosexuality’ as a mental disorder.

The Day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities, etc. to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and/or sex characteristics.

May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are still deemed illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.

Even if every year a “global focus issue” is promoted, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is not one centralised campaign; rather it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action, on whatever issue and in whatever format that they wish.

Colleagues from across the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System (ICS) came together on the 17th May to emphasise the importance of standing together in solidarity against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia to help create a society that is inclusive and free from prejudice and discrimination.

Led by Nottingham City Council, the event involved a photoshoot of ICS colleagues in front of the Council House where the rainbow flag was flown in fully glory.

Participants enjoyed speeches from Rosa Waddingham Chief Nurse of the Integrated Care System and Clinical Commissioning Group and Councillor Angharad Roberts from Nottingham City Council.