Every May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) to show that shame should not lie in one's sexuality or gender identity but in the hatred and stereotypes that are assigned to these identities. The chosen day for this worldwide series of events is based on the fact that on this day in 1990 the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its listing of diseases.
Facts:
- Homosexuality is still against the law in 80 countries, and penalties range from harassment and violence to imprisonment or the death penalty.
- In countries where homosexuality is legal, few protections exist and homophobic and transphobic attacks and murders are on the rise.
- Lesbian and bisexual women are often subject to taunting and rape to "teach them a lesson" and force heterosexuality upon them.
- Many gay and bisexual men are forced into horrific acts of shame and to undergo testosterone treatment in an attempt to masculinize and "de-gay" them.
- It is estimated that one transgender person is killed every three days around the world. Many of these victims remain unknown and unidentified.
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