IDAHOBIT Statement – HOYMAS
#It’sALoveThing
HOYMAS joins the world in celebrating the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17th. We take this opportunity to reaffirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTIQ+) rights are human rights, to celebrate the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are or whom they love.
Despite legal and social advances in the past two decades, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people continue to face widespread discrimination and violence in many countries. This leads to exclusion and adversely affects both the lives of LGBT people, their families as well as the communities and economies which they live in.
This is one of the most important days in our calendar. We get to assemble and reflect on how far we have come in the struggle to ensure LGBTIQ+ are allowed to enjoy their God-given right to live in a world where no one is judged based on who they love but who they are as individuals.
We take note with urgency on the current persecution of LGBTIQ individuals in different parts of the world and we call upon the respective governments and international agencies to respond appropriately to safeguard the lives of all their citizens. In the Kenyan context, LGBTIQ+ individuals continue facing harassment, extortion, and physical, verbal and sexual violence from the larger community. This institutional discrimination has led to the neglect of social and gender minority issues, which adds to deterioration of their general wellbeing.
Following this year’s theme of ‘Families’, HOYMAS is planning to celebrate this marvellous day by holding a number of activities at the HOYMAS centre with hope to bring together our community as a whole and celebrate. Among these are:
- Community, Police and parents meet-up at HOYMAS
- Speeches and presentations
- Shared snacks
Join the LGBTIQ+ national movement for family discussions As HOYMAS, we recognize family as those who are closest to us either by choice or blood. This is very evident in the LGBTIQ+ community where most of us are estranged from their blood families due to their sexualities or gender identities. That is why we’re passionate about sharing this day with everyone who matters in our lives.
Have a happy IDAHOBIT and spread the love.
With love,