Today is International Day Against Homophobia or Transphobia
Homophobia and transphobia still remain one of the biggest causes of violence against the LGBT+ community. On this day, the LGBT+ community across the world calls for recognition of their human rights.
The South African Constitution’s Bill of Rights states that everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. It also states that the state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.
SA’s constitution is one of the most progressive in the world with a Bill of Rights second to none.
Despite this, the LGBTIAQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexed, Asexual and Queer) community still suffers from discrimination and violence. Just a few days ago, the half-naked body of 27-year-old lesbian, Lerato Tambai Moloi, was found in Naledi Ext in Soweto. She was brutally raped and murdered and is an example of the homophobia and transphobia constantly faced by LGBT+ community in South Africa.
The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) published the 2017 State Sponsored Homophobia report prior to the annual International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. It shows that 23 nations worldwide recognise gay marriage. They include South Africa, Brazil, the US, Canada and Spain, Bermuda, Guernsey and Finland.
The report also shows that same-sex relations were illegal in 72 countries — down from 92 in 2006. Eight countries impose the death penalty for homosexual activity. The Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as Islamic militants in parts of Iraq and Syria are known to carry out the punishment.
Individuals and organisations all over the world have taken to Twitter to highlight the fight against homophobia and transphobia as well as advocate a celebration of diversity and equal rights. Here are some tweets responding to the hashtag #IDAHOT:
71 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships. We stand up for equal rights. Are you with us?! https://t.co/ehfa7lrPdj #IDAHOT 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/cAtkFqXXsq
— UN Women (@UN_Women) May 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/HOLAAfrica/status/864759274802737152
To mark #IDAHOT 2017 today we're flying the #LGBT rainbow flag over Islington's Town Hall. pic.twitter.com/s53z5LQNCn
— Islington Council (@IslingtonBC) May 17, 2017
Fantastic artwork for #IDAHOT #IDAHOBIT courtesy of @AmnestyKorea and artist Jaseon. pic.twitter.com/pFZpV19cFm
— Amnesty UK Rainbow Network (@AmnestyUK_LGBTI) May 17, 2017
The LGBTQI community in Turkey suffers from human rights violations. We stand with them ✊ #IDAHOT https://t.co/1CCtayw6IW pic.twitter.com/E8XgPSi6Ze
— European Youth Forum (@Youth_Forum) May 17, 2017
17 May is the International Day against Homophobia & Transphobia. RT if you stand for policies that recognize diverse families! #IDAHOT pic.twitter.com/XSpwRKLr7K
— UN Women (@UN_Women) May 16, 2017
Hot off the press:@ilgaeurope's annual review of the human rights situation of LGBTI ppl in Europe https://t.co/3vWJifQHy3 #IDAHOBIT #IDAHOT pic.twitter.com/3XLci7SEQu
— ILGA World (@ILGAWORLD) May 17, 2017
We’re showing support tonight for International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia & Biphobia. #IDAHOT https://t.co/GbXyBRO1nw pic.twitter.com/dTmUljulyk
— Brisbane City (@brisbanecityqld) May 17, 2017
27 books you should read this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia https://t.co/9uzcdzBiON #IDAHOT #idahot2017 pic.twitter.com/ep1vaEQzIw
— The Booktopian (@TheBooktopian) May 17, 2017
Met steps up to tackle homophobia and transphobia #IDAHOT https://t.co/D2FAPUwEcm pic.twitter.com/oXSiFwYYHF
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) May 17, 2017
