International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

On May 17, 1990, the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization approved the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD 10), which no longer listed homosexuality as a diagnosis. Launched in 2004, the IDAHOT commemorating that day has become a global occasion to educate about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and to advocate for sensible public policies regarding LGBT people.

The observance has caught on widely as an international opportunity for individuals, groups and organizations anywhere to do anything they wish to mark the day. The IDAHOT websiteopens in new window features numerous action ideas and reports detailing the wide range of activities planned for this year and from years past.  

Each year has a different theme. The theme for 2019 is Justice and Protection for All, to bring attention to the fact that more legal and policy reforms are necessary around the world to ensure Justice and Protection for all LGBTQI+ people. 

APA Takes Action on the Equality Act During the Week of IDAHOT

The Equality Actopens in new window is federal legislation that would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other civil rights laws to extend protection against discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit and the jury system. 

APA supports the Equality Act based on psychological science. Research demonstrates (PDF, 2.7MB)opens in new window that public policies aimed at reducing discrimination and extending legal protections to LGBT people is associated with reduced stigma and leads to better health and mental health outcomes.

In anticipation of a vote on the Equality Act in the US House of Representatives the week of May 17, APA held a virtual Town Hall meetingopens in new window the Thursday before with members. During the event APA Government Relations staff discussed the bill, APA’s messaging, and plans for long term engagement. They underscored the critical role of psychologists around the country both as constituents of members of Congress and as spokespeople for what the authority of psychological science can contribute to the discussion. 

On May 15, APA took out a full-page ad in the Washington DC publication Politico with the message: 

DISCRIMINATION IS BAD FOR BUSINESS, HEALTH, AND FAMILIES. 
It’s not just common sense. It’s psychological science. 
Pass the Equality Act now. 

• Resources for Grassroots and State-Level Advocacy on LGBTQ+ Issues

• LGBT Concerns and International Psychology
• International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Issues
• Lesbian and Gay Parenting
• APA Policy Statements on LGBT Concerns