Despite lockdown, the world is getting ready to mark once again International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Created in 2004, IDAHOBIT draws the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. This year will, of course, be quite different, but by no means any less vital. The pandemic affects every single person, however the LGBTQ+ community may be experiencing increased discrimination and are disproportionately impacted by the wider healthcare and wellbeing implications of the current situation.
Manchester based LGBT Foundation has reported a huge spike in calls to their crisis line during the lockdown. Calls include those in isolation experiencing violence or discrimination with abusive or unsupportive families. More people are concerned about not being able to attend sexual health appointments. Many just need someone to talk to.
They have a number of services to help support vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community during this time including a Coronavirus Hub. It provides a range of tools and resources to support the LGBTQ+ community during this time.
Did you know – May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.