What is May 17th?

​ What is May 17th?
 
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
 
The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexually as a mental health disorder.  This Day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities etc. to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
 
May 17th is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet. Celebrating this day allows for a widespread amalgamation of different self-identified expressions coming together to share pride in oneself, happiness, and love with others. 

---