International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: A call for non-discrimination and protection

Today is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), which raises awareness of the discrimination and violence that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people continue to face, including in Europe.  European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said: “As we celebrate sexual and gender diversities, we are aware of the hard truth that discrimination, hatred, and violence remain a reality for too many, simply because of who they are. Last year the European Commission adopted a strategy to improve equality and safety of LGBTIQ persons. Currently we are working on a proposal to extend the list of EU crimes to also cover hate crimes directed at LGBTIQ people. We owe it to the LGBTIQ community to do our utmost to stop the unfair treatment they are facing, in many cases, every single day.” Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, added: “This day is a call for action against discrimination and for the affirmation of equality for LGBTIQ people. To mark IDAHOT the European Commission lit the Berlaymont Building in the rainbow colours and adapted its logo for the day. These symbols transmit our message for an EU-wide LGBTIQ freedom zone. I am looking forward to continue our work towards a Union of equality for all.” Photographs of the Berlaymont headquarters lit in the colours of the rainbow flag are available here. And here you can find a declaration on IDAHOT by High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU.