Human beings have come a long way in the path of evolution. As recently as 50 years ago, a black person would have found it difficult to find a job that complimented his intellect, one may have been murdered for being a Jew, and a girl may not have been allowed an education for being, well, a girl. These society-made problems may still exist, but are considered as unjust without a doubt. How about the plight of homosexuals, then?

Homosexuality had been removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) over three decades ago and from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) over a decade ago, and yet adamant religious extremists and people fed by hatred and ignorance insist on seeing this natural occurrence as aberrance. Gay prides are held in different parts of the world as LGBT people and those with their intellect still intact fight for the rights of individuals who do not fall into the majority’s idea of what is right.

The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) celebrated annually on the 17th of May marks a day for individuals to show their solidarity towards the rainbow community. IDAHO 2009 is special for the reason that France celebrated this day by declaring the nation the first country to remove transgender from the list of mental disorders.  Hopefully, other countries will follow and Gender Identity Disorder (which most LGBT individuals are diagnosed with during childhood) would be the next disorder removed from the list.

With the simple motto, Homosexuality Knows No Borders, IDAHO is a wakeup call to people who still refuse to acknowledge the fact that nature offers life with variety. It may be shameful that such a day is even required to awaken those still living in the dark ages. However, it is not about one day but how a change in one’s way of thinking and behaviour can lead to a world united even in its diversity.

This year, let your voice be heard if you believe in equality and give a shout out to those who live in fear and silence their pains. It matters, it can bring a change. After all, rainbow coloured balloons did fly yesterday in the same city where people were arrested just a few days ago for holding a gay pride parade.

Via: Care2/Idahomophobia