As the NASUWT marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May, we remember that during times of crisis, it is ever more important to safeguard the equalities that have been hard won around the world and to fight for those whose rights and safety have been eroded or never existed.

IDAHOBIT is a day recognised across the globe, where people come together and raise awareness of the violation of rights that the LGBTI community continues to face.

Persecution, harassment, blackmail, violence and death are what so many LGBTI around the world face on a daily basis. The NASUWT works with global partners and sister unions to fight these injustices.

The main theme for IDAHOBIT 2023 is “Together always: united in diversity”, with a secondary theme from Education International, of which the NASUWT is a member, of “Solidarity: everyone belongs in our union”.

The NASUWT continues to campaign for the rights of all LGBTI teachers, against the attacks of the far right and the threat to human rights legislation.

The NASUWT’s motion to the 2023 TUC LGBT+ conference is entitled ‘LGBTI Rights are Human Rights’ and asserts that education has a huge role to play in challenging prejudice and hatred, at home and abroad.

If you have experienced any of the issues associated with LGBTI prejudice and need support or advice, please contact the NASUWT.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is a Civil Awareness Day that is celebrated on 17 May.

It was founded as the International Day Against Homophobia, or IDAHO, by French academic Louis-Georges Tin and has been extended to co-ordinate international events to garner support for the respect of LGBT rights worldwide.

The date of 17 May was chosen because homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on this date in 1990.

In commemorating IDAHOBIT, the NASUWT sends a message of solidarity and support to all those continuing to fight the diseases of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia at home and around the world.