17 May 2019 – idahobit What did I miss?

17 May was a busy day in the calendar of LGBTI activists all over Europe. Here is a round-up of events, statements and celebrations that took place to mark International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia, and Intersexphobia (Idahobit) 2019. 

Have we missed anything? Let us know if you’d like to add to the 17 May list!

• European Commissioner V?ra Jourová marks the IDAHOBIT: “We call on Member States to unblock discussions on the Equal Treatment Directive which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in education, social protection and access to goods and services.”
• European Commission published a statement strongly encouraging Member States to “maintain and expand their own initiatives” on LGBTI equality.
• High Representative of the European Union Federica Mogherini makes a declaration: “The EU, hand in hand with its Member States, will continue supporting the essential work of these advocates and will not stop until all LGBTI persons can live freely and safely.”
• Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland urged for justice and full protection: “All LGBTI persons must be protected from discrimination in law and practice”
• Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic marks the day: “Let’s defend LGBTI defenders”
• Parliamentary Assembly General Rapporteur on the rights of LGBTI Violeta Tomi? published a statement: “Attacks on LGBTI people are attacks on equality and democracy”
• Council of Europe Congress of Local and regional Authorities thematic spokesperson on human rights Harald Bergmann said “Human rights are for all citizens, for LGBTI people just as they are for everyone else, without distinction.”
• UNHCR launched consultations on LGBTI refugees’ rights. The first round of consultations with LGBTI organizations and advocates took place on 16 May in Geneva. Other consultations will take place in different parts of the world in the coming months.
• The United Nations Free & Equal initiative published a special page themed ‘Justice and Protection’
• UNAIDS released a statement calling on countries to remove discriminatory laws and enact laws that protect LGBTI people from discrimination.
• UN Women published an article “Five LGBTI activists you need to know” from around the world.
• European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) shared a joint message with 32 Embassies, Delegations and Permanent Missions in Vienna to support IDAHOBIT.

• “IZA?I” group is organising the first Pride march in Novi Sad (Serbia) today with the theme “Let’s go out together!”
• may17.org shared visuals and posters to be used freely.
• European Disability Forum shared a message of solidarity with LGBTI people with disabilities. 
• Arcigay in Italy has launched a campaign marking the day with the title “Don’t be indifferent, fight LGBTI-phobia”
• Bilitis is hosting an event to show support to the LGBTI victims of hate crimes in Sofia, Bulgaria.
• SPoD is organising a series of events in Istanbul with panel discussions, picnic, and party with a theme ‘We are the one”.
• Amnesty UK is handing in their petition signed by more than 65.000 people to the Russian Embassy in London calling on them to investigate reports of abuse on LGBTI people in Chechnya.
• St. Bride’s Liverpool is organising a communion service for LGBTQIA+ Christian Community in Liverpool (UK) on Sunday 19 May.
• Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders At Risk was given for the first time to five at-risk LGBTI+ human rights defenders around the world.
• Human Dignity Trust published a new report on the criminalisation of trans and gender diverse people around the world: “Transgender people say law enforcement officials are main perpetrators of harassment, violence and abuse against them”
• The Outsport project published today the results of the first EU-wide survey based on direct experiences of LGBTI people in sport.
• Bolton Library and Museum is organising a series of live performances that will bring the stories of five Bolton’s LGBTQ pioneers to life today and in the coming weeks.
• Gender Z organised a rainbow flash mob in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on 15 May. They held a 100 meters of symbolic pride march with around 80 participants.
• Tirana Pride is taking place in the capital of Albania. The Pride march will be held on Saturday 18 March with the theme “We march for you too”. 
• 3-18 May is the Pride in Nicosia (Northern Cyprus) with a Pride march scheduled on Saturday 18 March. Queer Cyprus is organising the events with the theme “Out and proud”.
• 18th Moldova Pride, organised by GENDERDOC-M, is taking place in the capital city, Chi?in?u with the Pride march planned for Sunday 19 May.