International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination 2025

Saturday 17 May is the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT).

This date marks the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Since then, IDAHOBIT has become a global moment to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQIA+ people – and to honour the strength and resilience of our communities in the ongoing fight for dignity, freedom and justice.

This year’s theme, ‘The power of communities’, reminds us that in the face of rising hate, repression, and isolation, it is our communities – our chosen families, collectives, student groups and grassroots networks – that have always kept us safe, visible and alive.

From protest marches to peer support, from mutual aid to moments of joy – community is how we resist. It is how we survive systems that weren’t built for us. It is how we build something better.

SUPRA stands proudly with queer, trans, and gender-diverse people – at the University of Sydney and across the world. While progress has been made, deep inequalities persist. In many parts of the world, LGBTQIA+ people continue to face criminalisation, censorship and violence simply for existing. Trans and gender-diverse communities in particular are being targeted by harmful policies and public rhetoric. Even here in Australia, we are witnessing growing hostility that seeks to silence and marginalise those who dare to live authentically.

If you are queer, you are not alone here. Your fight is our fight. Your safety, your joy and your future matter. Let’s keep building the kind of community that makes space for all of us.

What can you do?

• Join the SUPRA Queer Network to connect with fellow LGBTQIA+ postgrad students and help shape a more inclusive Usyd community.
• Get involved with the Usyd Pride Network – open to all students and staff, this network hosts regular meetings, events and initiatives to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion across campus.
• Join community groups that are fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, like Pride in Protest and Community Action for Rainbow Rights.

As an ally:

• Find out more about how to support LGBTQIA+ communities.

Need support?

• You can find a wide range of resources and support services on our LGBTQIA+ resources and support page.
• ACON specialises in HIV prevention, sexual health and support services for LGBTQIA+ adults in NSW.
• TransHub offers a lot of useful information and support services for trans and gender-diverse individuals.
• Twenty10 provides support services for LGBTQIA+ youth and adults, including transitional housing assistance and counselling.
• The Gender Centre offers a range of services for the trans and gender-diverse community, including accommodation and counselling.