VIDEO: I.D.A.H.O. around the world

IDAHO, International Day Against Homophobia

Cuban TV shows Brokeback Mountain as part of anti-homophobia drive

By Tony Grew
pinknews.uk

Governments local and national marked the International Day Against Homophobia on Saturday.

Cuba took the lead, with the largest meeting of gay activists in the island's history.

In attendance was a leading member of the Castro dynasty, the daughter of the current President, Mariela.

"This is a very important moment for us, the men and women of Cuba, because for the first time we can gather in this way and speak profoundly and with scientific basis about these topics," said Ms Castro.

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America's Dark History Sees Light in 'Boise, U.S.A.'

By Sean Borg gaywired.com

"The people of Boise tried to 'stamp out' homosexuality. They discovered it couldn't be done. In the learning process, everybody suffered." - CBS News, 1967

On November 2, 1955, the citizens of Boise, Idaho, woke to headlines screaming about the arrest of three men for infamous crimes against nature. This marked the beginning of an anti-homosexual witch-hunt that saw dozens of local men jailed, their reputations and lives in tatters. The authorities, determined to purge the city of "deviant" individuals, created a moral panic, encouraging families to feel threatened by a "ring of predators", and engendering a climate of accusation and counter-accusation reminiscent of nothing less than Salem in 1692.

Gene Franklin Smith's new play, Boise, U.S.A., explores the emotional drama behind the headlines.

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Foreign Office Rebuffs Gay, Lesbian Rights Campaigners

UK Gay News

LONDON, May 17, 2008 – The UK coordinator of International Day against Homophobia has attacked the government – and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in particular – for its lack of interest of the IDAHO campaign which highlights homophobia worldwide.

“We have not heard a word to acknowledge the importance of this day by our own Foreign and Commonwealth Office,” Derek Lennard said this afternoon.

“Last year we were honoured by a joint statement by Ian Macartney and Meg Munn,”

“A report issued by ILGA has highlighted that 85 countries criminalise homosexuality.

Yesterday, the New York-based Human Rights Watch named the UK Home Office in its ‘Hall of Shame’ for the lack of human rights extended to gay men and women who sought sanctuary from oppressive countries.

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Newtown Rally to Protest Homophobia

by Ani Lamont
Sydney Star Observer
AUSTRALIA

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is celebrated annually on 17 May in remembrance of the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1991 to formally remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. Started in Canada by the Foundation Emergence, IDAHO does not have a particularly strong following in Australia, though many would share the sentiments of equality and gay rights celebrated by the day.

Starting at 6pm on Friday, May 16, the rally, to be staged in Newtown the night before IDAHO, will start outside Gloria Jean’s in recognition of Gloria Jean’s association with the anti-gay Hillsong church and the recent decisions to exempt religious organisations from anti-discrimination legislation.

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