IDAHBT: “Equality, Freedom And Justice For All”

OUTBermuda is observing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia [IDAHBT] and noted that they are also marking “significant anniversaries that reflect our community’s journey towards liberation.”

A spokesperson said, “International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia [IDAHBT], observed annually on May 17th, was established in 2004 to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTQ+ rights work worldwide.

“Since then, the day has become a global occasion to advocate for meaningful change and celebrate community resilience, with many governments globally recognizing and supporting the day. [For more information about IDAHBT check out the official website at www.may17.org].

“As we observe IDAHBT this year commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Human Rights Declaration, OUTBermuda also marks significant anniversaries that reflect our community’s journey towards liberation.

“It is the 30th anniversary of the Stubbs Bill, which decriminalised same-sex activities in 1994, and just over a decade since the Human Rights Amendment Act 2013 included sexual orientation as a protected category. These milestones highlight the progress achieved and remind us of the ongoing challenges, such as the lack of data collection, combating the bullying and harassment facing LGBTQ+ youth, and enhancing support and legislation for the trans* and non-binary community.

“This year’s IDAHBT theme, “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all,” resonates deeply with OUTBermuda’s mission of “actively working to create a future in which LGBTQ+ Bermudians and residents feel that they are safe, valued, seen, and thriving.”

“The theme also aligns with the theme for Bermuda Pride 2024, “Family Affair.” Both themes emphasise the importance of inclusivity and support for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, with the latter focusing particularly on recognizing the diverse forms of family within the LGBTQ+ community, from biological and adopted families to the vital chosen families that have been the way in which we as a community have collectively tried to ensure no one is left behind.

“As OUTBermuda embarks on this new era, with fresh voices on the board of directors, we acknowledge the achievements of the past while setting our sights on dynamic development and growth. We are committed to being more visible and proactive, doing everything within our power to live up to the hopes and dreams of many LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. As Bermuda’s sole LGBTQ+ charity, we recognize the significant responsibility we carry and promise to push forward, ensuring that our actions and advocacy reflect the strength and diversity of our community. But we can’t do alone, so here’s how you can begin to support and demonstrate active allyship going forward:

For the Government:

• Recognize and observe important dates to both the local and global LGBTQ+ community including the passing of the Stubbs Bill and Human Rights Amendment Act 2013 as well as IDAHBT and the start of Pride Month.
• Recognize and show support for Bermuda Pride as an essential part of Bermudian culture through sponsorship, promotion, and active participation.
• Enhance data collection around the LGBTQ+ community including adding sexual orientation and gender identity to all future censuses starting from 2026.
• Engage in regular dialogues with OUTBermuda and other community stakeholders to further understand and address the needs of the local LGBTQ+ community.

For Private Sector Businesses, other Charities:

• Encourage a culture of inclusion and develop a connection with the local LGBTQ+ community by hiring local LGBTQ+ speakers from a variety of backgrounds to share their experiences.
• Engage with OUTBermuda’s resources and services including our Safe Zone Training.
• Continue to generously support Bermuda Pride as a cornerstone event for Bermudian culture, but also seek to support some of our other programs that run throughout the year or co-develop new projects alongside us.

For Individuals:

• Showing up is perhaps the most vital thing you can do – attend our events/initiatives [and other LGBTQ+ events], engage with our social media posts, and stand with the LGBTQ+ people in your lives.
• Volunteer with us if you have the passion, time, and energy. Click the link to sign up to volunteer for Bermuda Pride 2024: www.pride.bm/volunteer.

“OUTBermuda has allocated $5,000 to individuals and $5,000 to groups through our ‘Empowerment Grant’ to support initiatives positively impacting Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community. Visit our website at www.outbermuda.org to learn more about the Empowerment Grant and apply. As we commemorate milestones, we reaffirm our commitment to a Bermuda where everyone feels safe, valued, and free. Stay engaged with our content and events to help us build a more inclusive, equitable, and just society.

“For more information follow us on social media @outbermuda.”

#LGBTQI #OUTBermuda

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