Global Justice Institute Supports IDAHOBIT 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17th, 2026
Global Justice Institute Supports IDAHOBIT 2026
On May 17, organizations and advocates worldwide will observe the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This date marks the historic anniversary of the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder—a pivotal moment in the journey toward global equality. 17 years earlier, the American Psychiatric Association made the same decision (1973). 5 years before the APA, Metropolitan Community Church affirmed the LGBTQIA+ children of God (1968).
This year’s IDAHOBIT theme focuses on solidarity and resilience, highlighting the urgent need to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in an era of shifting legal landscapes. While significant progress has been made, millions still live in jurisdictions where their identity is criminalized or where systemic discrimination limits access to healthcare, housing, and safety. Even in areas where progress has been made, that progress is not infrequently challenged and even threatened.
Why IDAHOBIT Matters
· Awareness: Shining a light on the violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
· Advocacy: Calling on policymakers to implement inclusive protections and repeal discriminatory laws.
· Action: Encouraging allies to move beyond passive support toward active inclusion in workplaces and schools.
"IDAHOBIT is more than a commemoration; it is a call to action," says Bishop Pat Bumgardner, Presiding Bishop of the Global Justice Institute and Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church - New York. "We envision a world where every person can live authentically without fear. Today, we reaffirm that human dignity is divinely given, is universal, and must be protected no matter one’s sexual orientation or gender identity."
We invite all people of faith and community leaders to join the conversation online using #IDAHOBIT2026 and to participate in local events dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society.
Faithfully,
The Global Justice Institute Council of Bishops
The Reverends Pat Bumgardner, Jim Merritt, Robert Griffin, and Durrell Watkins
