[:en]May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbianphobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, established in 2007 to commemorate the date on which the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses in the International Classification of Diseases (17 May 1990). This was a major step forward in the recognition of people's sexual identity, but it has not been enough to instill in society a sensitivity towards the many people who still suffer discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other expression free from the constraints of cisgender-hetero-normativity.
As an LGBT+ community, we still face many obstacles to the full respect of our rights. This is demonstrated by the numerous incidents of verbal and physical violence reported daily in the press, and by the backwardness of the relevant legislation, which to date has yet to provide concrete protections for victims of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, or reforms that supersede the 1982 law on gender affirmation, or even the recognition of equal marriage, thus effectively distinguishing between first-class and second-class families, first-class and second-class daughters and sons. Finally, the current government's continued attacks on gender-biased centers and Rainbow families, which represent the most vulnerable groups in the LGBT+ community, including families and minors, have fueled concerns about living in an increasingly unsafe environment lacking rights and protections.
Aware that these attitudes of closure and discrimination towards minorities and diversity represent a damage for society as a whole, as well as aware of their instrumental role used by various political entities, with the sole aim of fomenting ignorance and polarising public attention, as an association Viterbo LGBT+ PETER BOOM – ARCIGAY VITERBO we are therefore obliged, especially this year, to honour this important day by inviting citizens to reach out Piazza delle Erbe between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM For a moment of discussion and awareness on issues related to discrimination against LGBT+ people. We invite all citizens to visit us at our information stand to learn about all our activities and to celebrate the International Day Against Homo-Bi-Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) together, in the spirit of equality and respect for all individualities.
Arcigay Viterbo
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