The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) is celebrated on 17 May and features a number of international events aimed at raising awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons’ rights and promoting interest in their rights worldwide.
Across the world, entire societies are under lockdown in an effort to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control. In many parts of the world, LGBTI persons will be disproportionately affected by the crisis due to poor or no access to health caused by discriminatory laws and negative social attitudes. The non-recognition of trans and intersex identities, leading to the stigmatization and marginalization of LGBTI communities also multiplies the challenge for them to reach health services.
The European Union is determined to continue to address discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, acknowledge the specific needs of LGBTI persons during health crises and work towards equal opportunities