IDAHOT Around the World

http://ifcus.org/wp-signin.php?dizo Tomorrow is IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia). Last year I wrote about participating in Albania’s 2nd Gay Ride Against Homophobia. Note: I plan to be at the 3rd annual bike ride tomorrow, but this year, it appears, we will be riding in the rain. I am still ever hopeful for more support and less violence.

While talking more about Albania is a passion of mine, I wanted to share some of the activities that will be taking place in other countries (particularly those that are less progressive). Thanks to the website IDAHOT: A Worldwide Celebration there is an extensive list of activities organized by country. Here are some highlights:

No homophobia in Persian media!: Iranian LGBT activists and feminist will be celebrating May 17 in dedication to freedom of expression of LGBT people in Iran. One of the goals of this campaign is to end hate speeches against and scapegoating of LGBTs and women in media and promote free expression for all human rights defenders.

WE ARE QUEER AFRICA is None on Record’s exciting new series that allows LGBTI Africans a platform to share their stories with each other and the world. The purpose of WE ARE QUEER AFRICA is twofold: first to offer a new narrative about LGBT Africans that goes beyond just homophobia and second to allow even more people a safe space to document their experiences. WAQA has featured LGBT Africans from Namibia, Nigeria, Burundi, Kenya and Uganda including Namibian folk musician Shishani, Nigerian LGBT activist Bisi Alimi and this week, Pepe Julian Onziema of Sexual Minorities Uganda.

Let’s go fly a kite: Singapore-based MOVE Community is organising a kite flying day to foster social harmony, friendship and healthy living among all allies & communities.

Sexualidad Pascuna: in one of the most important museums in the city of La Paz, the Museo de Etnografía y Folklore (MUSEF), there will be an exhibition called SEXUALIDAD PACEÑA, which was created by the artist Andres Palacios. The exhibition addresses different sexual expressions in their contexts, the full ranch of sexual and gender diversity. The event will be accompanied with a performance by Vitryaz, a group of talented, gay youth performing in high heels without transforming their gender.

Lithuanian Gay League: has organized a series of actions beginning with a quiz on human rights, followed by movie screenings and social event. On the 17th, they are planning to have an open-bus ride in Vilnius which will include stops for flashmobs and leaflet dissemination. After IDAHOT, the actions continue with an artistic session including a photo presentation and lecture by queer artists.

There are literally thousands of activities going on all around the world.  Just perusing the options is inspiring to me! I will be back next week to tell you how the activities in Albania were and would love to hear in the comments from others who have participated in IDAHOT events.