IDAHOBIT 2025 – LGBTI-phobia never a trade union value
Published: 17/05/2025
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT. This year, as we see a backlash against LGBTI in many countries, it is more important than ever that trade unions don’t just resist the backlash but continue to fight to advance LGBTI workers’ rights.
- To mark IDAHOBIT, the Council of Global Unions LGBTI Committee has issued a statement reiterating that “LGBTI-phobia has never been, is not, and never will be a trade union value”
- While recognising that the rights backlash, the statement also reminds us “to celebrate the power of our trade unions to resist anti-LGBTI attacks, support LGBTI workers and transform the movement”
- Why May 17? IDAHOBIT is the anniversary of May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. The first IDAHOBIT was celebrated in 2005, known then as IDAHO. It has since grown in strength and scope and is now celebrated in around 155 countries
- The International Lesbian and Gay Association (the IUF is an associate member) is marking IDAHOBIT under the slogan The power of communities: loud, bold, and unapologetically ours. Its statement declares “In a world increasingly threatened by the rise of authoritarianism, fascist ideologies, and extremist forces seeking to erase our existence, we reaffirm that we are here, and our presence is not negotiable”
Read the full CGU LGBTI IDAHOBIT statement here (available in English, French and Spanish).
When the far-right targets marginalized groups in society, it leaves all of us vulnerable. Protecting the rights of ALL workers is at the heart of what we do. When we stand together in solidarity, we drive change
When the far-right targets marginalized groups in society, it leaves all of us vulnerable. Protecting the rights of ALL workers is at the heart of what we do. When we stand together in solidarity, we drive change
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