International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia

It was 30 years ago, on May 17 1990, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems. Since 2005, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) started as a worldwide celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as an opportunity for raising awareness about discrimination and human rights provision around the globe.

Due to the current situation, the University was not able to organise an event, however, this is a great opportunity for sharing last year’s experience. The commemoration of IDAHOBIT 2019 was organised as a lunchtime event by the Faculty of Medicine & Health E&I LGBTQ+ in collaboration with the Equality Policy Unit, who were in charge of the welcome, introduction and conclusions. This was a space for showcasing different groups and projects who are currently supporting the LGBTQ+ community not only at the University of Leeds, but within the city and Yorkshire.

The first speaker was Ian Holdsworth, as Co Chair of the University of Leeds LGBT+ Staff Network,  a group for assisting and advising University LGBT+ employees and their friends/families,  reporting LGBT hate abuse, and a platform for inclusion and diversity. If you happen to want to know more about this before you come to Leeds, be part of the socials once you're here, or join the mailing list, you can via the Leeds LGBT Facebook group or email LGBT@leeds.ac.uk.

Tamsin Scott, Equality and Diversity Officer from Leeds University Union, discussed "How to navigate being LGBT+ in Leeds" through the importance of knowing the use of pronouns, not resting on our privilege, increasing visibility in basic but challenging contexts (e.g. curriculum), being kind and aware of different cultures, reporting hate crime, and thinking of ourselves as representatives of our community (local, national and international).

West Yorkshire Queer Stories was presented by Ross Horsley, a project about collecting LGBTIQ+ stories of any kind, as part of the local heritage. If you decide in the future you would like to participate by sharing your story or volunteering as a curator you can by contacting: Ross (r.horsley@mesmac.co.uk) or joining the Queer Stories Facebook page/website.

A very captivating moment was conducted by Professor Mike Baynham from the School of Education who shared some literature pieces for addressing heteronormativity and homophobia.

This all highlight that the University of Leeds is definitely working on increasing LGBT inclusivity, and Sabiha Patel, Head of Equality and Inclusion, shared the university’s vision, mission, values, principles, priorities and objectives for achieving equality and inclusion on campus.  There are more events planned and joined by the university (LGBT STEM day, LGBT History Month, Leeds Pride), which is also considering more policies, guidance and training. You can find out more about equality events by visiting this website or emailing: or by emailing: equality@leeds.ac.uk.

As an International student, participating in this event was a great opportunity, turning progress into a tangible experience. Coming from a country where, even at universities and educational centres, being part of the LGBTQ+ community might be synonym of discrimination, hate abuse and less opportunities, made me understand the privilege, awareness and breakthrough that the British society and the  University of Leeds have in terms of human rights.