Together with USA for UNHCR, we’re observing International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, or IDAHOTB.
Created in 2004, IDAHOTB was formed to observe the violence, persecution, and discrimination that many members of the LGBTQ+ community face every day for simply being themselves. It is currently observed in over 130 countries around the world, which, truly, is a high number that signifies great progress for LGBTQ+ rights, but sadly there are still more than 68 countries that have laws criminalizing same-sex relationships and different gender expressions.
“By celebrating those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and sex characteristics, the observance hopes to bring these issues to the attention of leaders and decision makers who can help protect the rights of the LGBTI community,” per USA for UNHCR’s website.
The heartbreaking truth is that many in the LGBTQ+ community are forced to become refugees and flee their homes in fear of persecution. It is quite literally a matter of life or death and leaving their home, their family, their friends, and their country, is sometimes the only way to survive. And this happens every day in countries where being gay is still illegal, so they have a choice of either living in secrecy or feeling for their lives.
USA for UNHCR shared a story about Estefanía (whose name was changed for protection), who lived in Honduras:
“As a transwoman living in Honduras, Estefanía never felt safe. Every day, she faced harassment and discrimination that affected her daily life. In many Central American countries, discrimination against LGBTI individuals is so entrenched in the culture that people like Estefanía are forced to live without access to basic services or work.
One day, Estefanía decided she could no longer take the abuse and fled the country with a group of other LGBTI Hondurans. During their journey, they were violently attacked and Estefanía needed to be transported to a hospital and received seven stitches in her head.
Despite the attack, Estefanía is glad she made the journey to Mexico as she now feels safer to be herself in a more open-minded community.”
The pandemic has lifted the lid and exposed everything that was already wrong with the refugee crisis. Refugees are some of the most vulnerable people on earth, and many LGBTQ+ refugees are now even more at risk because of the pandemic, which has left them without access to sanitation supplies and facilities, and has forced them to live in conditions that make social distancing virtually impossible.
If you’re looking for ways to help, USA for UNHCR explains the easiest thing you can do is to speak up for those who simply cannot. What does that look like? It could be as simple as reaching out to someone you know who is struggling or post messages of solidarity online letting the millions of people around the world who live in secret know that they’re not alone. Simply posting your support online may not feel like concrete action, but it does let others know where you stand on a subject, and for those being persecuted, sometimes, it means more than you’ll ever know.
You can also become a monthly donor to USA for UNHCR (or a one-time donor!). By donating, you are helping UNHCR build programs that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ refugees and that will help them settle in new homes and communities for a better life.
Thank you dear friends, and as always, any little bit helps!!
(above photo and info via USA for UNHCR’s website)