Every year on May 17th since 2005, the “International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia” (abbreviated: “IDAHOBIT”) has been celebrated – worldwide in more than 130 countries! On this day, the international grievances from which lesbian, gay, bisexual, inter and trans people suffer are once again pointed out.
Why on May 17th?
The date was chosen to commemorate May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its diagnostic code of diseases.
Today, bullying, discrimination and violence against queer people are pointed out not only in Germany through various events and major events.
On the occasion of IDAHOBIT 2023, BILD asked four well-known LGBT faces what the day means to them.
By the way: They all play in the current music video of the MKSM’s Pride anthem, “Loving Myself,” in which they also address their personal journey to self-acceptance and self-love.
Author and moderator Jochen Schropp
He to BILD: “Unfortunately, at the moment I have the feeling that with every step we take forward, we are also pushed back several steps. Conservative parties are oriented towards America, want to ban drag shows for children, for example, and that seems to be just the beginning,” complains Schropp.
“It is all the more important that we use the IDAHOBIT to draw attention to how explosive the situation in Germany and around the world really is.”
Jochen Schropp (left) with his husband Norman
Pride season has been an important and happy time for the presenter and actor since he came out: “I love celebrating life with other queer people in the community and standing together without fear on these days. I’ve already marked Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg in bold on my calendar, but maybe someone else will join them.”
rbb presenter and journalist Sabrina N’Diaye
“Such days are important to show: We are here and we will no longer tolerate it in 2023!” agrees the pre-evening talker from “STUDIO 3 – Live from Babelsberg” and the “Abendschau”. She wishes “that hate and hate speech is regularly discussed in school lessons”.
Actor and diversity activist Brix Schaumburg
“I’ve learned more and more over the years to love myself. The people who see me have taught me to keep looking. There are so many of us LGBTQs! And we’ve always been there. This realization opened my heart,” said Schaumburg.
Actor and LGBTIQ activist Brix Schaumburg
And further: “Only together are we louder! So, if you can, be loud with those who give you a hand. Not just today at IDAHOBIT. Every spark of spirit counts and anyone who walks through life with me always gets my fullest support.” Just like MKSM. That’s another reason why he immediately agreed to play in his music video.
Podcaster and activist Sabine “Bine” Krutschinna
“Every day, every event, every action, every word that addresses the visibility and safety of queer realities of life means a lot. A lot of positive things have happened in the last 20 years. There have been great developments that have provided a safer, more livable environment for the queer community.”
“Full of hope and pride” she looks at all the people who are always committed to the queer community. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s in our personal environment, when dealing with employees, family members or with ourselves. We LGBTQ people are grateful for any support that we receive and can also feel. Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go.”
The fact is: The registered incidents of hate crime show that LGBTIQ people in Germany are insulted, assaulted and attacked every day.
“Being able to live openly, safely and with equal rights” is “still not a matter of course for queer people in Germany”, says Lehmann.
The Federal Government’s Queer Commissioner, Sven Lehmann, explains: “The IDAHOBIT also emphasizes the courage of millions of queer people around the world to defend themselves against discrimination in order to be able to live and love in freedom and with dignity. The federal government must stand firmly by their side – in Germany and worldwide.”
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