17 May – International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
On this day, the world is drawing attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
Stigma and discrimination remain today a very big issue for LGBTI-people, as well as people who live with HIV, people who use drugs, migrants, and other key populations at risk for HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Discriminatory laws prohibit those groups to access health care and participate in the life of society. Stigma also discourage people from taking an HIV test.
AFEW International works with and for key populations affected by HIV for almost 2 decades. With a focus on Eastern Europe and Central Asia, we promote health and increase access to prevention, treatment and care for major public health concerns such as HIV, TB, viral hepatitis, and sexual and reproductive health. We strive for all people, all key populations in EECA participate fully and confidently concerning their health and rights, in an inclusive and just society.
Partnering with the NGOs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, we ensure that LGBTI people, people who live with HIV, people who use drugs, prisoners, migrants, sex workers, and young people have access to good medical care and have great possibilities for a healthy future.
Ending discrimination and changing laws is our common responsibility, it is what we all can do. Everyone can contribute to ending discrimination and can try to make a difference.
AFEW International will continue its strong commitment to supporting communities in the EECA region, especially at COVID-19 time.
