International Day Against Homophobia

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is celebrated May 17. The international day against homophobia aims to coordinate international events to call respect for lesbians and gays world-wide. Unlike the LGBT Pride Day, which is meant to emphasise proudness of one's sexuality and refusal to be ashamed of it, IDAHO is held to highlight: "... that in reality it is homophobia that is shameful and must be deconstructed in its social logic and fought against openly." May 17 was chosen as the day of the event because homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, 1990. In 2003 the Canadian organization Fondation Émergence instituted a similar event, the National Day Against Homophobia, on June 1. Belgium followed suit in 2005. Since 2005, IDAHO events have taken place in more than 40 countries. While there are no events held in New Zealand, our Rainbow Labour MP's send their messages of support to IDAHO organisers each year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1O56kY9-ZY