UK country page 2019

Many UK High Commission offices around the world marked the Day in collaboration with local organisations. We provide more coverage in the respective country pages.

---

BELFAST

Members of the LGBTQ community and their allies have protested outside Belfast City Hall on Sunday 18th as the campaign to extend marriage equality to Northern Ireland gathers pace. More info from the Organisers

---

Parliamentary debate at the House of Commons

The British Parliament held a second debate to mark IDAHOT after another successful application by Nick Herbert MP, following up on the first debate in 2018.

A briefing is available from the Parliamentary library at this link

---

---

Debates, Diplomats and Intersectionality: Kaleidoscope Trust Marks IDAHOBIT 2019

On Friday 17th May, the UK joined the world in celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). As a UK-based organisation working on international issues, Kaleidoscope Trust recognises the importance of this day and the UK’s role in supporting the fight for LGBT+ equality globally, given the colonial-era legacy of many of the laws that criminalise same-sex intimacy both in the Commonwealth and across the world. Read Kaleidoscope’s full report HERE

---

Nearly seven in 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people have been sexually harassed at work, according to research for the Trades Union Congress revealing a “hidden epidemic”.

The survey, published on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on Friday (May 17), found that more than two in five LGBT people (42%) said they had experienced colleagues making unwelcome comments or asking unwelcome questions about their sex life. More than a quarter (27%) reported receiving unwelcome verbal sexual advances.

---

Sheffield

IDAHoBIT will be held in the Sheffield Peace Gardens on May 17th. 

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/events/884410525237018/

Email: libby@poplarunion.com
Event Name: IDAHOBIT Film Screening: Tomboy (2011) + Q&A

London

Street Address: Poplar Union, 2 Cotall Street, Poplar

DATE & TIME
Event Day:  16
Event Month: 5
Event Year: 2019
Event Time: 7pm-9.45pm 

SOCIAL
Event’s Website or Blog:  https://poplarunion.com/event/idahobit-film-screening-tomboy-2011/
Event’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/560308467787024/
Event’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/PoplarUnionP

Dudley

DUDLEY will host its first ever International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia this Spring in celebration of gender and sexual diversities.

The event will include performances by Birmingham Voices Choir, an inclusive choir created by Wordsley-born Chris Passey and Richard Skilbeck.

Before the event, a short ceremony will take place where the rainbow flag will be raised above Dudley Castle and the Council House, alongside short speeches from the Mayor and other invited guests.

The event is open to all and begins at 12.30pm.

---

---

Surrey

Event: LGBTQ+ Writing To The Beat Of Your Life!
Direction: Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, GU21 6ND
Date: Saturday 11 May 2019
Time: 11.30am -3.30pm
Info: In the run up to #idahot day Gary Thomas will teach a writing workshop at Surrey History Centre to coincide with his play ‘Hidden’. 
After viewing a range of archive sources relating the LGBTQ+ experiences of Surrey people over the centuries, come & find out how to write about your own life in a compelling way. Learn how to present it and even get the chance to submit your writing to the Mass Observation day archive.
In this workshop you will:
•See archives of LGBTQ+ people in Surrey
•Discover more about Gary’s work including his successful Arts Council projects
•Explore ideas for writing about your own life and how to write a brief outline / synopsis
•Learn practical exercises on creating a compelling opening chapter of your own memoir
•You will also be able to submit your writing to the Mass Observation day archive the day after the workshop.
It’ll be a fun, informal way of learning about writing your own life in a way that will make others want to carry on reading!
Booking is essential and tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbtq-writing-to-the-beat-of-your-life-tickets-59229488996. 
The workshop is funded by Arts Council England.

Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2019
Direction: Queen’s University Belfast
University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN
Date: 16/05/2019
Time: 11:00 -20:00
Info: PRISM, in association with the People and Culture Directorate, are pleased to announce our involvement in the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2019.

We invite you to join us for a day of awareness, education and celebration events taking place throughout campus on Thursday 16th May 2019.

You can expect a day full educational training, workshops and a lecture from an acclaimed LGBT activist (look out for updates soon). The day will culminate with a Celebration evening featuring some local and international talent.

Sheffield

Sheffield’s diverse community comes together to say no to LGBTQI+phobia.

Expect-
– A range of speakers
– A mix of acts
– One minute of noise 

This day is marked annually to draw  attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT+ people on a global scale and is marked in over 130 countries.

When we look at our current climate today, trans people and people of colour who identify as LGBT+ are still significantly oppressed. The theme for this years IDAHoBiT is Justice and Protection for all, we wanted to highlight this and ensure we are creating an IDAHoBiT which is welcoming and accessible to everyone. 

***We welcome people to bring flags of their gender and sexuality but also of their heritage and/or birthplace. Everyone is welcome***

For more information write to organisers

Atkins & Rolls-Royce – IDAHOBIT 2019
Direction: Bristol, UK
Date: 16 May 2019
Time: 17:00
Info: Atkins are co-hosting an event for IDAHOBIT 2019 with Rolls-Royce, which shall be an evening of discussion on this year’s theme: Justice and Protection For All.

The discussion will be followed by networking opportunities, and light refreshments shall be provided. Speakers will share their view on international LGBT+ policies, their experience of trans issues, and ally stories.

Event: Hold My Hand 2019
Direction: We invite you to hold hands in public, take photo and upload it to our Facebook group.
Date: May 17th, 2019
Time: All day
Info: On Friday, May 17th (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia) I’m asking LGBTQ+ people and straight allies to hold hands in public to show the world that love is love. 

The other day I was walking in the park and two young men were walking toward me. They were holding hands and were obviously together, but they quickly scurried past me and threw me a look which said they thought holding hands in public was somehow a daring act that might incur some unknown punishment. I was moved by their courage, as I knew many, including myself, wouldn’t be able to hold our partner’s hand in public without that little voice in the back of our head warning against it or telling us to hide our love or face shame. 

Then I felt deep anger that in the 21st century, even in London, LGBTQ+ people still face abuse for simply showing a connection to and affection for another human being.

That’s why I decided to launch Hold My Hand. 

I would love for people to share this group far and wide around the globe. On May 17th I want people to post photos of themselves holding hands in public, standing in solidarity with everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who live in places where they face discrimination and abuse on a daily basis for just being themselves. 

More info on event’s FB page

Derby

Event: Derby City Council Flag Raising Ceremony
Direction: Sir Peter Hilton Gardens,  Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS (the garden is directly opposite Council House and next door to the Quad)
Date: 17 May 2019
Time: 11.00am
Info: The Mayor of Derby City, Councillor Mike Carr, will raise the rainbow flag to formally mark the City’s commitment to IDAHOBIT.

Belfast: The Aurora Network Information Day
Direction: 49 East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NR
Date: 17/05/2019
Time: 12pm to 5pm
Info: The Concentrix LGBTQ+ Network, Aurora will be on hand to offer help and support to colleagues, and to discuss our recent work with local charities The Rainbow Project, and Transgender NI.

We will also be giving put stickers and flyers discussing Gender Freedom, Trans Healthcare Rights, and the right for colleagues to feel safe at work without prejudice.

London/Walthamstow

IDAH-Stow
Direction: The red phone box outside William Morris Gallery, Lloyds Park  Walthamstow; and online.
Date: 17 May 2019
Time: 12 pm to 6 pm
Info: In conjunction with the William Morris Ward Make it Local and London Borough of Culture teams we will be using the red phone box outside Lloyds Park as a photo-booth and a springboard to raise awareness about the problems of homo- trans- and bi- phobia.

Come and be photographed by local photographer Rosalind Stephens! Tell your story and record personal experiences of homo- trans- and bi- phobia. Talk about how families and other allies can help maintain safe and accepting environments.  Still ‘in the closet’? Stand behind the flag for anonymity while still having your say.

Photos and responses will be collated into an online exhibition with a dedicated website which will run for 6 months. I will also collate the photos and responses into a photo book which I  will donate  to Walthamstow Library, where I will hold a talk on the project (date tba).

London

:IDAHOBIT forum+ Film Screening: Milk
Direction: Islington Museum
245 Saint John Street
London
EC1V 4NB
Date: Friday 17th May
Time: 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Screening will commence at 6.30 pm.
Info: forum+ will be screening Milk the biographical film about LGBT rights pioneer Harvey Milk to commemorate IDAHOBIT.

The biopic Milk tells the story of the life of gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk, who fought for gay rights and became California’s first openly gay elected official.

Before the screening hear about the support services that are offered by forum+ to victims of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic harassment or hate crime. Find out about how you can be supported in reporting LGBT+ Hate Crimes and the details of the variety of outreach and social events that are run by forum+ across Camden and Islington.

All very welcome to attend this free screening which will be subtitled. Refreshments will be served beforehand. This event is held in partnership with Islington Council and Islington’s Pride. Please register for tickets on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/idahobit-forum-film-screening-milk-tickets-60870344840

North Wales

Event: Rainbow flag raising

Organised by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Direction: 10 o’clock at Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor
11.30 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd
3 o’clock Ysbyty Gwynedd
Date: 17th May
Time: 10 o’clock, 11.30, and 3 o’clock

Email organisers

Please join staff and guests from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board at our annual raising of the rainbow flag above our 3 district general hospitals on 17th May, when we visibly display the organisations commitment to LGBT+ equality to the people on North Wales.

At our event at Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor we shall be joined by North Wales politician Hannah Blythyn A.M.

Weymouth

Event: Weymouth Gay Group pub social meet up with info about IDAHOT
Direction: The Swan (Wetherspoons) 41-43 St Thomas Street Weymouth  DT4 8EH (near town bridge).
Table 79 right hand corner by fire exit.
Date: Thursday 16th May 2019
Time: 6pm – 12 midnight
Info: Join Weymouth Gay Group at our weekly pub meet up as we count down the hours to IDAHOT Day 17th May.   Find our guys on table 79 in The Swan Pub (Wetherspoons) from 6pm. 
Friendship, chat, supporrt, food & drinks. Plus IDAHOT information. 
More details on our website https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com

Norwich

Event: Booksmart: Preview Screening
Direction: Cinema City
St. Andrew’s Street
Norwich
NR2 4AD
UK
Date: 17/05/19
Time: 20.30
Info: BOOKSMART is an unfiltered comedy about high school best friends and the bonds we create that last a lifetime. Capturing the spirit of our times, this is a coming of age story for a new generation.

Trailer and booking link here: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Cinema_City/film/booksmart

Wrexham Glyndwr

Event: Flying the Rainbow Flag
Direction: 
Date: 17.05.19
Time: All Day
Info: We will be flying the Rainbow flag here at Wrexham Glyndwr University, showing our commitment to ensuring our LGBT+ staff, students and visitors feel supported and welcome; a community where discrimination will not be tolerated

Liverpool

Event: Communion Service for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Direction: St Bride’s Church 
Percy Street
Liverpool
L8 2UF
United Kingdom
www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk
Date: 19th May 2019
Time: 6.30pm
Info: You’re invited to join us as we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on Sunday, 19th May at our regular Communion Service warmly welcoming Liverpool’s LGBTQIA+ Community, friends and family 6.30pm at St Brides Liverpool. Refreshments served from 6pm. 

 As 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Open Table Network Co-ordinator, Kieran Bohan, will invite us to reflect on what peace, reconciliation and activism mean for the LGBTQIA+ Christian Community.

Look forward to seeing you!

Everyone is welcome at Open Table. Open Table is an LGBTQIA+ affirming Christian community which aims to create a safe and supportive place for you to explore faith and what this might mean for your own spiritual journey. No matter who you are, where you’ve come from, or where your journey may take you, you will find a welcome.

Dudley

Dudley will be staging its first ever International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) in May.

IDAHOTB is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities. Hundreds of events in over 120 countries across the world take place to mark this significant day within the LGBTQ+ community.

Dudley Council has flown the rainbow flag from the Council House to support the day for the past two years, but this year is hosting its first ever flag flying ceremony in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. The theme of this year’s international day is celebrating justice and protection for all.

A short ceremony will take place on 17 May at Coronation Gardens at 11.30am, hosted by the Mayor of Dudley. The rainbow flag will be raised above Dudley Castle and the Council House, the event will include short speeches from the Mayor and other invited guests.

The event will culminate in a special performance by Birmingham Voices Choir, an inclusive choir created by Wordsley-born Chris Passey and Richard Skilbeck. Having toured the UK with Josh Groban and Russell Watson as well as notable appearances on Songs of Praise, Birmingham Voices will join forces with Kimichi School in Birmingham as well as schools from Dudley and the wider Midlands to create a truly unique performance experience. 
Joining them will be rising star Liam Price and Dudley drag star, Athena Heart.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event which will run until 12.30pm.

Weymouth

Event: MindOut Mental Health Support Group – Weymouth
Direction: MindOut is a safe, confidential and accepting space for LGB and Trans people experiencing mental health issues and offers recovery-based peer and staff support.
Date: Friday May 17th
Time: 2-4pm
Info: Each session involves a guided relaxation or mindfulness exercise, time to share experiences and concerns, followed by discussion workshops based on group members’ requests.

Discussions cover a diverse range of topics, for example:  coming out to friends and family, developing self-compassion and building self-esteem, managing anxiety, mental health conditions and recovery-based coping skills, for example helpful ways of thinking, relaxation and mindfulness.

When: Meets every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, between 2pm – 4pm

Address: Weymouth Adult Learning Centre, 45 Dorchester Road. Weymouth. DT4 7JT.

Group Facilitator: Debbie
Contact: mindoutwey@dorsetmind.uk

Nottingham

Direction: In Celebration of International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, Nottingham City Council in partnership with Nottingham Pride will be taking part the Community Flag Raising at outside the Council House on the 17th May 2019 at 11am.  Nottingham City Council.

For further details 
rosey.donovan@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Event: NTW LGBT+ Event
Direction: We will be outside Cafe St. Nicholas at St. Nicholas Hospital
Date: 17th May 2019
Time: 11:00
Info: We will be starting the day by raising the Rainbow flag at the Trust Headquarters.
We will then be holding an informal stall supplying literature and showing videos and engaging in conversation with anyone who would like to talk to us.
We will be providing literature and pledge cards for you to take away and hopefully the desire to help stamp out  all these phobias.
We will also be posting into social media.

Coventry

Event: Bake Sale Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia!
Direction: Terry Rd, Coventry CV1 2BA
Blue Coat Church of England School
(Not open to the public though, only students and teachers are allowed onto school site)
Date: Friday 17th May
Time: 11:10-13:10
Info: A bake sale led by the student-ran LGBTQ+ club in our school, hoping to raise £200 for the LGBTQ+ mental health charity “Mindout”. We are all making as many cakes, brownies, cookies and flapjacks as possible (and using a LOT of rainbow sprinkles along the way) and will be situated in various places around the school and our goal is to raise £200 for this charity which is close to many of our hearts. We chose Mindout as we believe it is the most fitting charity for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia and it also is the most relatable charity, as we are all affected by mental health in one way or another.

Worcester

Event: Unison Celebrates Idaho Day 2019
Direction: I will be giving out information regarding Unison’s support and fight for all of its members particularly for sexual and gender diversities.
Date: IPatrone@unisonworcestershire.co.uk
Time: IPatrone@unisonworcestershire.co.uk
Info: I am having a stall for UNISON at The Hive Library in Worcester. United Kingdom. to give away cakes, sweets ,chocolates  and pens. Our colour scheme will be represented as the rainbow colours.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Event: Coffee morning
Direction: Common Room
Winn Studios, Student Accommodation
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1AN
Date: 17/05/2019
Time: 11:00am
Info: Coffee morning, including cake, a chat with staff.

Northern Ireland

Event: Royal Mail Northern Ireland IDAHOT Information Day
Direction: 
Date: 17th May 2019
Time: All Day
Info: Information board will be set up with information hand outs for 400+ staff

Event: PA Pride Quiz Night in honour of May 17th
Direction: Internal quiz night to honour International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Goal is to share knowledge about topics and create a warm environment where anyone can learn about the  history of homophobia transphobia and biphobia. Hosted in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Date: 16th of May, 2019
Time: 5:20 – 6:20
Info: Internal quiz night to honour International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Goal is to share knowledge about topics and create a warm environment where anyone can learn about the  history of homophobia transphobia and biphobia. Hosted in Belfast, Northern Ireland.