International Day Against Homophobia preparations kick off
Gay campaigners and activists from around the world are gearing up for the 3rd International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on May 17th.
50 countries are now involved in the campaign to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights across the globe.
Towns and cities across the UK are expected to organise a minutes noise against homophobia and lobby their local councils to fly the rainbow flag.
Campaigns from London and Manchester will also be launched to help raise awareness of LGBT rights in educational contexts.
Derek Lennard, the IDAHO UK Coordinator told PinkNews.co.uk: “This is a chance for us to demonstrate that we are not smug about advances made against homophobia in the UK, and at the same time we can not stand idly by while LGBT people are persecuted, criminalized and slaughtered around the world.”
Internationally, IDAHO will be campaigning for a United Nations Resolution to decriminalise homosexuality.
The movement has already been backed by a petition signed by over 5,000 people.
Ben Crouch, the UK North West Coordinator, said: “The positive effect that a resolution of this type being approved at the United Nations will have on the global LGBT community will be equivalent in gay rights terms to the discovery of creating electricity.
“For all those who have faced death, torture and imprisonment because of their sexuality, this resolution is for them.”
Campaigners can visit the IDAHO UK website www.idaho.org.uk to get involved in the events and activities.
