The day provides an opportunity to reflect on progress that has been made on the advancement of LGBT+ rights in the UK, but also to draw attention to injustices that many still face in their workplaces and society for identifying as LGBT+.
IDAHOBIT marks the anniversary of the declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness by the World Health Organisation in 1990. In normal times many gather in to commemorate it by making noise together – the idea that being visible and vocal brings attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT+ people all over the world. This year, owing to Coronavirus it is not possible to meet and therefore a video to mark the day has been made.
The video provides an explanation of the purpose of IDAHOBIT day, the advances made on LGBT+ rights in the UK, current campaigning issues and how UNISON’s LGBT+ members can get involved.
Louisa Wass Griffiths, Regional Manager said; “What I love about UNISON and our activists, is that we don’t just fight for safety and pay and conditions for our workers, we also fight for equality. I am proud of our union and its campaigning work on behalf of those who are disadvantaged by society’s prejudice. IDAHOBIT day reminds us that the assumptions we make about the gender or sexuality of our colleagues may need some challenge. This video helps LGBT+ folk be more visible, on behalf of some people for whom being personally visible is not safe. This video came about because of an idea of one of our activists. What are your ideas to promote equality? Do share them.”
If you would like to find out more about the network or join it, please find the UNISON East Midlands LGBT+ group on Facebook or visit www.eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/equality/lgbt
Video produced by Samuel Shoesmith and Seb Wilkins, part of the UNISON East Midlands LGBT+ Network