International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is held each year on 17 May. 

IDAHOBIT invites us to acknowledge the need to challenge homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia and transphobia all year round. It is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities.

The purpose of IDAHOBIT is to raise awareness of the ongoing discrimination, violence and marginalisation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. 

The campaign seeks to celebrate diversity and advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people and the theme of this year's IDAHOBIT is ‘No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.'

Look out for the progress pride flag flying over Sussex House to mark the date.

For last year’s IDAHOBIT, Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion David Ruebain discussed IDAHOBIT and the University of Sussex’s commitment LGBTQ+ Inclusion in this 2023 Inclusive Sussex Update.

What’s on?

In Brighton & Hove

Friday 17 May 2023 there will be a free and inclusive IDAHOBIT Event at the Ledward Centre, Jubilee Street, Brighton. Everyone is welcome!

The event will take place from 6-9pm and there will be a choir performance from the Rainbow Chorus and speakers.

It is hosted by the Ledward Centre, Brighton and Hove City Council LGBTQ Workers Forum and Unite.

University of Sussex LGBTQ+ Staff Network

Members of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network Committee will be attending the first part of the community event at the Ledward Centre.

If you are a member of the network and would like to attend as part of the group (or would like to join the network!) please email lbgt-staff@sussex.ac.uk

The LGBTQ+ Staff Network will also be celebrating IDAHOBIT by attending the Butterfly Trail.

Support for staff and students

• Dignity and Respect Champions: Staff can raise issues directly to a Dignity and Respect Champion
  
  
• LGBTQ+ Staff Network: Join our LGBTQ+ Staff Network by contacting lbgt-staff@sussex.ac.uk. LGBTQ+ Staff and allies are welcome.
  
  
• Trans and Non-binary Staff Network: If you are trans and/or non-binary yourself, you can join our Trans and Non-binary Staff Network. If you would like to join the network or would like further information you can contact the network by emailing transnonbinarystaff@sussex.ac.uk.
  The email address and mailing list is monitored and – to ensure confidentially – is accessed only by Chair of the Trans and Non-binary Staff Network.
  
  
• Staff Networks: Find out more about our Staff Networks.
  
  
• Students’ Union: Students who identify as LGBTQ+ can join the Students’ Union’s LGBTQ+ Society and contact the Students’ Union officers for support.
  
  
• Student Support: Students can also find a number of resources and support in relation to sexuality at the Student Centre.
  
  
• Report and Support: The University has clear expectations of how all members of its community treat – and are treated by – others. We will not tolerate bullying, harassment and violence, including sexual violence, racial harassment and hate crime.
  
  If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using this Report and Support tool.