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back to top International Day Against Homophobia
Countless people still face violence, discrimination and social rejection due to homophobia. May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), commemorating the World Health Organisation’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from a list of mental disorders. It remains a day to recognise the destructive effects of homophobia.
Homophobia can take many forms, from school bullying to punishing same-sex relations with the death penalty. In numerous countries, homophobia continues to be endorsed by governments, which legitimises the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals. This can undermine efforts to prevent and treat HIV, leaving people particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. AVERT’s homophobia page explores the effect that homophobia has on the global HIV and AIDS epidemic.
