04/05/12, Allsorts recognises International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
This year Allsorts will be recognising IDAHOBIT by joining the ‘global voices against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools.’
Last year, International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia was recognised in over 80 countries. The 17th May holds special significance for lesbian, gay and bisexual people; on this day in 1990, the World Health Organisation decided to remove homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses. Since its beginning in 2003, IDAHO has expanded it remit to include gender identity and transphobia. Although IDAHO has an international focus, it is still not recognised in many countries.
This year the theme for IDAHOBIT is ‘global voices against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools.’ This theme is particularly poignant for the young people at Allsorts who either attend school, or have done very recently.
Stonewall’s School Report released in 2007 found that:
- Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of young lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils have experienced direct bullying.
- Ninety seven per cent of pupils hear homophobic language on a regular basis
- Half of all bullied gay and lesbian pupils have skipped school
- 17 per cent of those bullied have received death threats
Allsorts and Brighton & Hove’s Healthy Schools Team will be hosting an event on the 16th May to showcase good practice in B&H primary, secondary and special schools to tackle homo/bi/transphobic bullying.
Throughout May, we will be taking part in a number of activities to raise awareness about bullying based on perceived or actual gender identity and/or sexual orientation. These activities include a photography session, a social networking campaign and making posters and short videos about what schools can do to create more inclusive learning environments for LGBT students.
In addition, on the 6th May, we will be taking part in the Stonewall Equality Walk to raise money for their schools projects. To sponsor us please visit our JustGiving page.
For more information please contact Allsorts on 01273 721 211, email info@allsortsyouth.org.uk or drop ‘Allsorts Staff’ a message on Facebook.
You can check out Allsorts website for more details: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/allsortsyouth
Twitter page: @AllsortsYouth
By Meg Lewis, Allsorts Female LGBT Youth Support Worker
