Every year on May 17, people around the world acknowledge International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The date isn’t random.
On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organisation officially removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases.
That milestone laid the foundation for what we now recognise as IDAHOBIT, first celebrated in 2005. Since then, the day has evolved to be more inclusive of the broader spectrum of our communities.
Originally IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia), it was expanded in 2011 to include transphobia (IDAHOT), and again in to acknowledge biphobia and intersex discrimination, in 2018 to the acronym we use today.
According to IDAHOBIT.org.au, the day remains important due to ongoing discrimination against the queer community.
Studies show that LGBTQIA+ people are less likely to be out at work in 2025 compared to 2022; 35 per cent of LGBTQIA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months; and two in three LGBTQIA+ youth experience abuse due to their identity.
IDAHOBIT continues to raise awareness of LGBTIQIA+ equality and the discrimination our community continue to experience worldwide.
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‘At the heart of democracy’
The theme of IDAHOBIT 2026 is At the heart of democracy.
At a time when reactionary governments are making attacks on sexual and gender diversity and on bodily autonomy, a staple of their tactics to test the resilience of democratic systems, the actions of LGBTQIA+ people and their allies remind everyone that societies can flourish only when there is genuine equity and justice for all.
Yes, progress has been made, but the fight is far from over
While acknowledgment of the day continues to be a powerful show of visibility for welcoming inclusion and diversity, thirty-six years after the day began, it has also become a lightning rod.
Earlier this week, adults gathered outside of Reynella East College public school in Adelaide’s south to protest the school’s acknowledgement of IDAHOBIT.
Disregarding that those very actions highlight the importance of such a day, a reported group of 40 to 50 adults stood outside the school’s gates holding signs with phrases like “LEAVE OUR KIDS ALONE” and “BAN IDAHBIT [sic] DAY”.
A police presence was required at the schools.
LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups have criticised a protest against a school’s recognition of IDAHOBIT. / Janina Karr via FacebookLast year, right-wing media outlets created a storm in a teacup when Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre in Norwood (also in South Australia) were hosting an IDAHOBIT event.
The childcare centre is encouraging children to dress in rainbow colours and celebrate with fairy bread on the day.
In 2023, in Victoria, Mornington Peninsula’s Woodleigh School cancelled a drag storytime event over safety concerns following threatening calls to the school.
Drag storytime events were moved online after library staff received violent threats.
In response to the cancellations, queer community members set up the Rainbow Community Angels outside Eltham library to disrupt a group of anti-drag protesters with loud music and their angel wings.
The Community Angels continued to support inclusive family-friendly events and protect the community at regional story times, queer formals and more over a year later.
This is the scene at Eltham library right now where anti-LGBT protestors are being drowned out by tunes and bangers on the other side of the road. pic.twitter.com/5xs7nIMvMM
— Cait Kelly (@cait__kelly) May 17, 2023
Many 2026 IDAHOBIT events have already happened this year
IDAHOBIT falls on Sunday this year, which is also the same day as the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
(It is also the same day as the final of Eurovision, but that isn’t relevant to this story.)
As such, IDAHOBIT events have been happening around the country all week in the lead-up to Sunday, but here are some events you may want to check out.
The list is not exhaustive (far from it).
If there is an IDAHOBIT event happening in your local area you would like to share, let us know or put it in the comments.
Tasmania
On Friday, join Buff Club & Cruise Nipaluna for IDAHOBIT Roller Disco from 7:30 pm at Woodys Skate + Play.
Meander Valley Council will host an IDAHOBIT Flag Raising at 9 am on Sunday.
Western Australia
In Perth on Friday, Rainbow Futures WA and Edith Cowan University are hosting the Inaugural IDAHOBIT Lecture: LGBTIQA+ First Nations Advocacy to Impact.
The event will bring together researchers, community leaders, and advocates to explore how LGBTIQA+ First Nations advocacy is being translated into meaningful, community-led change.
On Tuesday, May 19, you can join a 5km Walking Silent Disco in Burswood.
ACT
At the Diversity Hub on Sunday in the ACT’s Kambah, join the Community Wellbeing Festival.
A family-friendly day focused on community wellbeing with food, stalls, performances, workshops and more.
You can join The Tipsy Sketching Club for a Sunday afternoon of sipping, snacking and sketching at PJ’s in the City in Canberra.
Queensland
Friday night, join the Queer Collective for a social night at Grove Bar.
The night includes guest speakers, music, and fun activities with other students and industry professionals.
In Toowoomba on Sunday, join a Queer Picnic & Crafternoon, be sure to bring your own blankets.
South Australia
Join the IDAHOBIT Pride Colour Run at Port Elliot Oval on Sunday.
Run, walk, or dance your way through a colourful course, getting covered in bright bursts of powder along the way.
SAMESH will be hosting Our Sexual Health Matters: Our Voices. Our Bodies, a peer-led collage workshop.
Victoria
Noorat Primary School will celebrate IDAHOBIT with a free event for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
The all-ages event will have Drag Bingo, guest speakers, Stiletto throwing, entertainment, a rainbow ally wall and more.
Campaspe Shire in Echuca host a flag raising at Hopwood Gardens on Sunday at 9:30 am.
This will be followed by Pride crafts, a human library, and a movie screening at Echuca Library.
Got another IDAHOBIT event happening? Be sure to let us know.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
