The day was commemorated worldwide on 17 May. In Brussels the Netherlands EU Presidency marked the day by flying the Rainbow Flag at its Permanent Representation and Embassy. On every 17 May events are organized to highlight the discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people each and every day.
“The Netherlands attaches great importance to the equal treatment of all people, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, and we are committed to a strong role for the EU herein, both within and beyond the European borders,” the Presidency declared in a statement. “As rotating Presidency, we work actively towards this goal.”
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia aims at coordinating international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide.
The 17th May, only 26 years ago, marks the day on which the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. The first International Day Against Homophobia took place on May 17, 2005.
In 2009, transphobia (violence and discrimination against transgender people) was added to the name of the campaign, and in 2015 biphobia (aversion against bisexuality) was added.
The Brussels Times
