The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia takes place on May 17 and aims to raise awareness of LGBT+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is committed to tackling racism at work and embedding a culture where people can thrive no matter what their race, background or personal experience.
Chief Executive Lyn Simpson recently signed a promise to ensure fairness and inclusion for everyone working at the Trust.
A number of training events have also been organised for staff at the Trust – such as LGBT+ Awareness and Trans Gender Awareness training and the Value Ambassador Programme.
SAS obstetrics and gynaecology doctor Laura Hipple recently attended the transgender awareness training organised by NCIC.
She said: “I attended the recent transgender awareness training as I was aware this was an area I had very little understanding or personal experience of.
“I felt this was something I needed to address in my SAS tutor/lead role - both to educate myself and uncover or address any unconscious biases I might have had due to ignorance about transgender issues.
“I found the session very informative and helpful and would recommend it to all staff who want to understand and care better for both their patients and their colleagues.”
A cultural staff network has already been set up to help with diversity and inclusion issues.
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FACTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA AND BIPHOBIA (IDAHOBIT)
- It was originally known as the International Day against Homophobia (IDAHO).
- Louis Georges Tin was the founder (and acted as its Chairperson until he resigned in 2013). He created the committee to coordinate actions in different countries around the world to promote the day and to lobby for its official recognition of May 17th.
- This date was chosen as it commemorates the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of the World Health Organisation in 1990.
- The day was conceived as a concept in 2004. This was following a yearlong campaign which culminated in the first ever International Day Against Homophobia.
- In 2009, Transphobia was added to the name of the campaign and activities that year focussed on the violence and discrimination that trans people experience.
- On the eve of May 17th 2009, France became the first country in the world to officially remove transgender from its list of mental illnesses.
- Louise George Tin and two other committee members started a hunger strike in June 2012. They were urging the French President Hollande to introduce a United Nations resolution decriminalising homosexuality.
- In 2015, Biphobia was added to the name of the campaign.
- The day is officially recognised by the EU parliament, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, UK, Mexico, Costa Rica, Croatia, The Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Venezuela and Canada.
- It is commemorated by public events such as large scale street marches, parades and festivals. Arts and culture events are also common.