United States IDAHO Report 2012

A range of events were held throughout the US to mark IDAHO 2012.
In recognition of IDAHO, the US Department of State informed all of its missions around the world about the Day and provided them with best practices related to supporting LGBT groups. The State Department also supported their employees around the world by hosting panels and discussions in embassies and government facilities.
In Washington DC, about 100 people gathered for the release of the report by Human Rights First “The Road to Safety: Strengthening Protection for LGBTI Refugees in Uganda and Kenya”. The event was presented as the second installment of HRC’s recently launched ’’Equality Talks.’’
Also released were guidelines to access US embassies, entitled “Accessing US Embassies: A Guide for LGBT Human Rights Defenders” which highlighted the various diplomatic tools that US embassies used to advance a range of human rights and development objectives, from diplomatic “démarches” to support for LGBT refugees. It also looked at various opportunities that exist for US embassies to support, both technically and financially, LGBT advocates in host countries.
Activists also held a free screening of the independent film “Gun Hill Road” which was followed by a discussion about issues of gender, family and culture.
There were three days of IDAHO events held in Atlanta: A Church Without Walls service and potluck picnic; Alternative Perspectives; and presentations of the proclamations speakers and entertainment.
On June 2, Division 52 co-sponsored a symposium to honor International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). The symposium, chaired by Dr. Neal Rubin, gathered faculty, students, and others at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology to reflect on current conditions for LGBT persons around the world.
In addition, activists in New York City hosted representatives from two Caribbean-based grantee organizations, who shared their experiences and discussed homophobia and transphobia among Caribbean populations and participated in a panel discussion with representatives from UN member states to identify strategies for increasing access to HIV services among gay men, other MSM, and transgender individuals. The activists also announced nine awards to groups combatting HIV/AIDS among MSM.
The City of San Francisco marked IDAHO by lowering the UN and American flags for 24 hours at UN Plaza.