IDAHOBITA* 2024 – Day of Action Against Queerphobia

Vor dem Ostflügel des Mannheimer Schlosses wurde die Progress Pride Flag gehisst. Sie wird auch erweiterte Regenbogenflagge genannt. Daneben weht die dunkelblaue Fahne der Universität Mannheim.

On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, Transphobia, and A-phobia (IDAHOBITA*) will take place. The aim of the day of action is to demand respect and acceptance for queer people while also highlighting the discrimination and persecution they face. At the University of Mannheim, there are support services and networking opportunities for queer people.

This day of action is considered one of the most important days for the queer community and goes back to 17 May 1990, when homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) of the World Health Organization (WHO). This year’s theme for IDAHOBITA* is “No one is left behind: equality, freedom, and justice for all.”

LGBTQIA+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, asexual) are still criminally prosecuted in 66 countries (Website in German). Even in Germany, discrimination, and violence against queer people continue. Currently, trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals are particularly at risk. For this reason, rallies will be held in many cities on IDAHOBITA*. In line with this year’s theme, allies of queer people are also highly encouraged to participate in these rallies.

For the first time, the University of Mannheim will raise the Progress Pride Flag for IDAHOBITA*. This flag differs from the previous rainbow flag by incorporating the intersex flag (yellow background with a purple circle) in the form of a triangle. The Progress Pride Flag aims to highlight the many marginalized groups within the queer community that are often overlooked. Black, and brown stripes were added to recognize People of Color and the light blue, white and pink stripes represent trans people.

Queer at the University of Mannheim?
The motto of IDAHOBITA* reflects the importance of a community for queer people to connect, support each other, and fight together against discrimination. The University of Mannheim offers opportunities for networking and exchange. Employees, researchers, and lecturers who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum meet regularly for the “Queere Kaffeepause”. For queer students, the student initiative “Queer im Schloss” provides a community with many exciting events. If you have experienced discrimination, assaults, and/or violence, the university’s persons of trust offer advice and support.

See the website Diversity at the University of Mannheim for more information.

Events in the region:

17 May 2024 5:30 p.m.:Rally at Paradeplatz Mannheim. Organized by Offenes Netzwerk LSBTTIQ Mannheim. Main topics: Support for LGBTQIA+ refugees in Mannheim and gender self-determination.
17 May 2024 6:30 p.m.:Queer Service for IDAHOBIT at the Matthäuskirche Ludwigshafen (in German). Motto: “IN BETWEEN”. In addition to texts and music, an acrobatics performance will also address the motto. Afterwards, everyone is invited to gather in the community garden in front of the church.
17 May 2024 7:00 p.m.:Film screening of “Slow” at Karlstorkino Heidelberg (in German). Summary: When dance instructor Elena meets sign language interpreter Dovydas during a course for deaf teenagers, they are immediately attracted to each other. When they meet again, their friendship quickly becomes more romantic. However, when Elena seeks physical closeness, Dovydas pulls away and reveals that he is asexual. Both have become so important to each other that they still want to find a way as a couple – with a kind of intimacy that feels right for both. Ticket reservation at 06221 / 97 89 18.
3–29 May 2024:Queer Festival Heidelberg 2024. The Queer Festival Heidelberg 2024 will feature various films, theater performances, and parties. It’s worth checking out the program overview (in German).

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