The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO)

The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is a global movement against all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IDAHO began in 2005 and is marked annually on 17 May, the 1990 date when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. IDAHO is now recognised in over 60 countries, with countless activities organised every year.

IDAHO helps all stakeholders draw the attention of policy makers, opinion leaders, social movements, public opinion, and the media to the issues of homophobia and transphobia.

IDAHO actions take many forms: exhibitions, film screenings, protest marches, debates, performances, TV programs, poster campaigns, cake stalls and MORE. Actions are organised by individuals, organisations, cities and governments.

Everybody, everywhere can get involved with IDAHO and any action, big or small, makes a difference.

Easy ways to get active for IDAHO:

• Vote in the GLORIAs, tongue-in-cheek awards for the most outrageous, ridiculous, ignorant comment made about GLBTI people
• Learn more about GLBT discrimination in Australia and talk to people about what you learn
• Host a morning tea, bake a rainbow cake, fly a rainbow flag
• Put up posters at your workplace or school about IDAHO or other GLBT issues. Some more ideas can be found here.
• Add an IDAHO message to your email signature
• Write a letter to the editor about discrimination against GLBT people
• Make an effort not to say ‘that’s so gay’ and speak to others about why not
• For more ideas check out the IDAHO website
• Check out some of the things that are happening around Australia for IDAHO here

IDAHO postcards as chosen by YOU

Khedur	Michelle	The Penrith Panthers	Matthew Mitcham

Fans of This Is Oz voted for their favourite images and the four winners have been made into IDAHO postcards.

ACON’s Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project has produced postcards which target young people and will be distributed throughout New South Wales in the lead up to IDAHO 2010.

These have been produced in partnership with Department of Justice and Attorney General, Family Planning NSW, The City of Sydney, The University of Western Sydney and The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby.

If you'd like to send an e-card of Khedur from this postcard campaign check out the Avant Card Website.