International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – 17 May 2024

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a day to draw attention to discrimination and harassment against and faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans and non-binary people, and other LGBTQ+ people.

What is the theme this year?

This year’s theme, ‘no one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all’ underscores the importance of recognising and including all members of the LGBTQ+ community when advocating.

It highlights the responsibility we all share to contribute to an environment where everyone can live openly, authentically, and without fear of prejudice or persecution.

It is important to remember and recognise that people from the LGBTQ+ community continue to face bullying, harassment and discrimination in the UK at work and study.

• 31% of bi respondents had been insulted, pestered, intimidated, or harassed in the year prior to being surveyed (Stonewall, Bi Report, 2020).
• 33% of bi student respondents said they would not feel comfortable reporting biphobic bullying and harassment to their educational institution (Stonewall, Bi Report, 2020).
• Half of trans people (51%) have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination (Stonewall, LGBT in Britain - Trans Report, 2018)
• 2 in 5 LGBT students (42%) have hidden their identity at university for fear of discrimination (Stonewall, LGBT in Britain- University Report, 2018)

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

If you experience or witness homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia, biphobia or acephobia*:

• Students and staff can report incidents (anonymously if they like) and/or access support through Tell Someone.
• Students can access free counselling through Student Services.
• If you feel safe to do so, be an active bystander and challenge homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia, biphobia and acephobia when you see it.

* Acephobia is a prejudicial attitude toward asexual and aromantic people based on negative stereotypes. Source: Galop