International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia; This Year's Theme: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All

May 17, corresponding to Ordibehesht 27, has been designated as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This year's theme is "No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All." Established in commemoration of the World Health Organization's decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from the list of "mental disorders," this day sees programs held worldwide each year to end discrimination and violence against sexual and gender minorities. Policymakers, leaders, media, and the general public are called upon on this day to address the urgent need to combat violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities and to create inclusive communities enriched by their diversity. A group of UN human rights experts emphasized in a statement for this occasion that systematic discrimination, threats, and direct experiences of violence are a reality for many around the world, undermining their human rights in conditions where sexual and gender minorities face the risk of being killed, including through arbitrary executions sanctioned by governments in some countries. The statement noted that imposing restrictions on the public expression of identity, especially in contexts where civil society space is also limited, leads to an environment where violence and discrimination occur without punishment. UN human rights experts state that individuals marginalized socially and economically based on their sexual orientation and gender identity are likely to experience specific vulnerabilities, including homelessness, poverty, exposure to pollution, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate and toxins. The European Union also issued a statement declaring that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia have no place in the EU. The statement emphasized that to ensure no one is left behind, the focus must be on combating inequalities and various forms of discrimination. The EU asserts that equality, freedom, and justice must apply to all, regardless of their actual or presumed sexual orientation and gender identity. The EU has called on governments worldwide to repeal discriminatory laws, take action to combat and eliminate hate crimes and hate speech, prevent any violence against sexual and gender minorities, and take steps to remove structural and institutional barriers that limit these individuals' participation in decision-making and political processes. Since 2019, eleven countries have legalized marriage equality. In Iran, sexual and gender minorities face numerous discriminations and obstacles. Honor killings, arbitrary arrests, and heavy sentences such as imprisonment, flogging, and execution for members of this community have created a stifling environment for sexual and gender minorities over the past 40 years under the Islamic Republic of Iran, alongside other human rights violations by the Islamic government. Recently, the spokesperson for the Tehran City Council stated that "there should be a space for the presence of trans individuals and others." Alireza Nadali added that they should not be allowed to circulate in Vali Asr Square, the busiest intersection in the country. The oppressive atmosphere created by the Islamic Republic over the years for members of the LGBTQ+ community has forced thousands of community members to emigrate from Iran. Controversial - Sexual and gender minorities in limbo. The commitment of the 2024 Paris Olympics to support the rights of sexual and gender minorities. Amnesty International has urged the Islamic Republic to repeal laws criminalizing homosexuality.