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International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2021

Strategy 2030 sets out Queen Mary’s commitment and ambition to be the most inclusive university of our kind, anywhere; realising this vision means being a university of choice for LGBTQA+ people to study and work.

Published:
IDAHOBiT 2021: power of love poster

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBiT) is marked globally on 17 May every year to draw attention to the discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The theme of 2021 is Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing

What is homophobia, transphobia and biphobia?

Homophobia, transphobia and biphobia are terms used to describe the fear or dislike or someone, based on prejudice or negative attitudes, beliefs or views about people who are or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, queer, trans and bi.

This kind of behaviour can take many forms such as name-calling, derogatory jokes, intrusive or hostile questioning, threatening to ‘out’ someone, as well as unwanted physical contact and violence. It can happen verbally, in writing, in person or virtually (eg by email, messages, social media). Whatever form it takes, it is always unacceptable. Find out more information on what homophobia, transphobia and biphobia might look like.

What can you do if you witness or experience homophobia, transphobia or biphobia?

If you experience or witness homophobia, transphobia or biphobia, you can report it (anonymously if you like) and/or access support through our Report + Support tool.

Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic can take many forms and may constitute a criminal offence as a hate incident or hate crime under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003. If you believe you have been a victim of a hate incident or hate crime you are within your rights to contact the police.

If you feel safe to do so, you can be an active bystander and call it out. Make it clear that you won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour in any form.

You could also reach out to one of the following people/groups for support and advice:

What can you do to support the LGBTQA+ community and tackle homophobia, transphobia and biphobia?

At Queen Mary, we are committed to creating a learning and working environment that is inclusive of and celebrates LGBTQA+ people. We can all do more to combat homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Find out more below:


Alex Prestage, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Executive Officer to the Vice-Principal (People, Culture and Inclusion)

Further information, resources and support:

  • East London Out Project (ELOP): a local charity offering a range of support services to LGBTQ+ communities including counselling.
  • Tower Hamlets LGBT Community Forum: a project that aims to bring together LGBT+ people (and allies) who live, work, study or socialise in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
  • Galop: an LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, providing support services relating to hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
  • Switchboard, LGBT+ helpline: provides information, support and referral service for LGBTQ+ and their friends, parents or family.
  • Gendered Intelligence: a charity aiming to increase understanding of gender diversity, specialising in supporting young trans people under 21.
  • Mermaids: supports trans and gender-diverse children, young people and their families.
  • GIRES: works to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages.
  • Stonewall: campaigns for LGBTQ+ equality.
  • Stop Hate UK: provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.

 

 

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