IDAHOBIT: you can help to break the silence for LGBT+ people
On Sunday 17 May 2020, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the General Assembly of the World Health Organisation (WHO) removing homosexuality from their list of mental health disorders — an historic date in our calendars and powerful symbol for LGBT+ people around the world.
This action in 1990, which found its way into the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), ended more than a century of officially sanctioned medical homophobia.
IDAHOBIT — the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia — is celebrated on 17 May each year.
It’s a fact that there are lesbian, gay, bi, trans or intersex people in every community around the world.
We are your colleagues and acquaintances, friends and family members. Even if you think you have never met a single member of our LGBT+ community, it’s more than likely that you have.
But some — or maybe all — of us have been forced to stay silent at points in our lives.
We can face stigma, discrimination, or even violence, if we are open about who we really are.
As we try to look out for each other during these difficult times, we have to face the sad reality many LGBT+ people, especially the younger members of our community, are having to face lockdown in unwelcoming homes.
The United Nations Free & Equal human rights campaign reminds us there are three things that will never be cancelled:
Together, even from our own homes, we can help to create a world where it is safe to be yourself — no matter who you are or whom you love.
Taking a stand against homophobia, biphobia, intersexphobia and transphobia
We firmly believe that all of our students and colleagues should be able to be their true selves when they are studying or working at Middlesex. It is vital we provide support for anyone in our University community who might be the target of harassment, intimidation or violence because they’re different. We want you to know we’ve got your back.
Our students created empowering videos for the Changing the Culture initiative taking place at Middlesex and at many other universities around the UK. They encourage us as a community to take a stand against prejudice and hate.
Where can you get support?
If you are a Middlesex student, you can report and get support for conduct, health, wellbeing and safety concerns via Care and Concern on UniHub.
If you are a Middlesex colleague, you can find information and advice on our staff intranet.
Within Barnet, you can report hate crime to Barnet Mencap.
forum+ supports victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime, across Camden and Islington, as well as in surrounding boroughs where appropriate.
Join forum+ at 5.30pm on Sunday 17 May as they come together online to make global noise with our international community to celebrate this year’s IDAHOBIT theme of Breaking the Silence.
Switchboard — the LGBT+ Helpline — is a confidential helpline for anyone who wants to talk about gender identity, sexuality, sexual health and emotional wellbeing.
Switchboard operate a phone line, instant messaging and email service from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year.
It’s so important to look after yourself, now more than ever.
If you need a safe, confidential, listening ear, call 0300 330 0630, email chris@switchboard.lgbt, or use the instant messaging service at www.switchboard.lgbt.
Formerly known as London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, the charity was founded in 1974, and volunteers took their first ever remote phone calls on Tuesday 24 March 2020.
The Met Police have advice for reporting hate crime on their website. If the situation feels like it could get heated or violent very soon, or if someone in immediate danger, please call 999.
How can you be an LGBT+ ally?
If you are not part of the LGBT+ community, you might be thinking you can’t help. That’s really not true — here are our five ways you can be an effective ally to LGBT+ people:
1. Educate and empower yourself
- Learn a little more about LGBT+ communities — we’re a community of many different and diverse communities
- If you are LGBT+ find out more about people whose gender identity differs to your own
- Confront your assumptions — you might be surprised
2. Listen
- To other allies
- To LGBT+ people — ask us (in a friendly way) about our experiences at work and at home
3. Be visible and challenge
- Be loud, be visible
- Be yourself and show your values
- Give out positive messages
- If you hear negative comments or hurtful language, challenge it (or report it)
- Keep calm, chat over the experience with others; respond
- Keep calm, and say why bullying and harassment is wrong; make sure you stay safe and aren’t in danger
- If online then report it
- Remember our MDX values
4. Being an ally goes beyond LGBT+
- LGBT+ people have lots of different identities — they could be bi and black; trans and Catholic…
- Various labels can mean multiple levels of discrimination
- Being an ally and showing your support really does help — allies and friends are welcome at our Forum events
5. Influence others
- Look for opportunities to share the ally message
- Make clear statements about what equality means to you
- Support acceptance
- Have conversations with friends, family and colleagues about LGBT+ matters
- Demonstrate that you accept, respect and support equality
