May 17, 2011 is officially the 21st annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). May 17th is the anniversary of the World Health Organization declassifying homosexuality as a mental illness. U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton released a statement that she, President Obama and the entire U.S. support International Day Against Homophobia. She asks people to “redouble” their efforts to fight intolerance, drawing on specific examples such as condemning Uganda’s proposed anti-homosexuality bill, saying “these are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.”
From the website:
“An International Day Against Homophobia belongs to no one individual. It’s about all people hoping for a prejudice-free world that can provide a place at the table for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Inspired by all world theme-days, the day set aside to fight homophobia needs to be appropriated by all of those actively involved in civil society: gay and lesbian community organisations, those organisations focusing on other types of sexual diversity, unions, employers, private businesses, governments, public administration, professional associations, and all individuals seeking equality.”