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International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2026

Posted on behalf of: EDI Unit

Last updated: Friday, 8 May 2026

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is held each year on 17 May. It commemorates the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases.

IDAHOBIT fosters a global moment for collective action, awareness, solidarity, and visibility, bringing together individuals, organisations, and governments under a shared global theme to highlight issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people around the world. The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is ‘At the heart of democracy’.

Look out for the Pride flag flying over Sussex House from 15 to 18 May in celebration of IDAHOBIT.

What’s on

To mark IDAHOBIT, the LGBTQ+ Staff Network are going to Chaps and Straps - Queer Line Dancing on Tuesday 26 May, 7.00-10.00PM at Komedia Brighton. The event is completely beginner-friendly and open to all levels of confidence, experience, and enthusiasm.
This event is created by and for LGBTQIA+ people who especially welcome trans, intersex and non-binary participants. The dances are taught with options to suit different gender expressions and are designed to help participants connect with their body with joy.
Looking forward to Pride Month, the BSMS LGBTQ+ Network are hosting an in-person screening of the film Pride (2014) in the Audrey Emerton Building in Kemptown on Monday 1 June, 5.30-8.00PM. Pride (2014) is based on true events, exploring the work and story of the group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) during the miners’ strike which took place from 1984-1985. All staff are welcome to join – please email inclusivity@bsms.ac.uk to register.

Support for staff and students

Staff members who identify as LGBTQ+ can join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting lgbt-staff@sussex.ac.uk.  The LGBTQ+ Staff Network arranges events and activities through the year, and provides an informal network of LGBTQ+ staff. Many of their events are open to all staff, and some events are also open to students. To find out more, see the Staff Networks page.

Our Trans and Non-binary Staff Network at Sussex is a confidential and fully inclusive group open to all Sussex staff who identify as trans and/or non-binary. You can join the confidential mailing list by contacting transnonbinarystaff@sussex.ac.uk. The mailing list is monitored and accessed solely by the Co-Chairs of the Trans and Non-binary Staff Network.

Students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support.

Students who identify as trans and/or non-binary, or who are intersex, can contact the Students’ Union Trans and Non-binary Group by emailing transnonbinary@sussexstudent.com. They can also get involved with Transcend, a SU-affiliated Campaign and Network aimed at uplifting the lives of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students at the University of Sussex and beyond: transcend.sussex@sussexstudent.com

The University of Sussex is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of its community. If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using Report and Support.

The university’s Wellbeing Support Guide contains a dedicated section signposting to a variety of LGBTQ+-specific resources.

Students can find resources and support at the Student Centre and on the Sexuality and Gender Support and Information web pages.

LGBTQ+ e-learning

Staff may wish to explore relevant e-learnings around IDAHOBIT. In addition to the mandatory Diversity in the Workplace e-learning, the university also provides courses in Trans and Non-Binary Awareness and a guide for managers on Supporting Trans and Non-Binary People at Work.