5.17 International Day Against Homophobia @ Hong Kong

Meaning of IDAHO 💭

IDAHO stands for "International Day Against Homophobia." Some organizations in certain countries use different names to accommodate more diverse sexual minority groups, such as IDAHOTI and IDAHOBIT.

Origin of IDAHO 🔍

On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), marking the first step in depathologizing homosexuality.

Hong Kong = IDAHO+

In line with the LGBTQ+ concept, Hong Kong adopts the abbreviation IDAHO+ to include all discriminated sexual minority groups.

Origin of IDAHO+ 🇭🇰

February 2005: Ban on Same-sex Books 📚

The Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival planned to place the book "Les Passeuses" sponsored by the Home Affairs Bureau at the Cosmos Books store, but it was rejected by the staff due to the owner's Christian background. Afterward, LGBTQ+ groups criticized the bookstore, but they faced backlash and accusations of reverse discrimination.

April 29, 2005: Anti Same-sex Marriage Petition Inspires LGBTQ+ Voices 📣

The Family School Sexual Orientation Discrimination Ordinance Concern Group initiated a petition expressing opposition to legislation against sexual orientation discrimination and same-sex marriage, causing many LGBTQ+ individuals to worry about their identities being exposed or facing discrimination.

May 16, 2005: First IDAHO Event in Hong Kong 🎏

A group of LGBTQ+ organizations decided to organize an event to showcase public support for the LGBTQ+ community. The inaugural event, named Hong Kong's International Anti-Homophobia Day Parade, took place one day before the international day against homophobia. 👭🏻👬🏻