May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), a time to reflect on the discrimination still faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This year’s theme, “The Power of Community,” highlights how connection and belonging can be life-changing—especially for youth.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is marked annually on May 17. IDAHOBIT was created to commemorate the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness in 1990. This day is meant to help spread awareness and fight back against discrimination towards two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender/sexual minority (2SLGBTQ+) individuals.
While we have seen many improvements since 1990 and we are on a steady path forward, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals have faced increasing persecution in the last few years. Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are all forms of discrimination that target individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. These concepts are rooted in societal norms and cultural narratives that reinforce cis-heteronormativity (the idea that being cisgender and heterosexual are the norm, and other identities are considered deviant and inherently wrong) and gender conformity (the idea that you must act within the gender roles associated with your biological sex). These concepts stigmatize and marginalize 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, leading to significant health challenges and social exclusion. While 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across their life span experience identity-based discrimination, the implications for 2SLGBTQ+ youth are more nuanced. 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing discrimination often report experiencing it within their own homes. There is a strong and well-documented link between identity-based family conflict and increased mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression and suicidality, as well as homelessness.
The “Power of Community” to Support 2SLGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adults
This year, the theme of IDAHOBIT is “The Power of Community.” The powerful impact of community has been particularly resonant in our team’s work with 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness in the Greater Toronto Area, highlighting how collective strength can drive positive change and resilience among youth. As 2SLGBTQ+ youth face challenges, the importance of coming together—through friendships, local community events or virtual connections—becomes increasingly apparent. For example, we interviewed one 2SLGBTQ+ young person experiencing homelessness who described finding a sense of comfort, connection and belonging with other 2SLGBTQ+ youth after leaving their parents’ home due to identity-based family conflict.
Another young person shared that since living in a specialized 2SLGBTQ+ transitional housing program, they felt accepted and safe to fully express themselves without constantly having to explain or defend their identity:
“It’s good to hang out with other trans people and having it be no big deal. Like the three of us just sat around the table and just sipped coffee and made breakfast together. And like just having that connection and not having to worry about people not knowing who I am or not coming out to them 100 times.”
Simple activities such as sharing coffee, cooking, shopping and watching shows with fellow 2SLGBTQ+ housemates become meaningful moments because they take place in an affirming environment. 2SLGBTQ+ youth also find community in online spaces—reading supportive messages from other 2SLGBTQ+ youth can help them feel validated, ease the social pressures of coming out and foster optimism about their futures. In addition to the peer support that 2SLGBTQ+ youth receive, they also turn to their local queer and trans community organizations to provide a sense of belonging. For instance, one youth shared their appreciation for the 2SLGBTQ+-related artwork and books around the organization they accessed because they felt seen and represented in the stories portrayed. Another young person shared how they valued the presence of queer and trans staff at a 2SLGBTQ+ housing program, because it showed them that there are successful professionals who are “trudging their way through the homophobia and transphobia.”
Service support from 2SLGBTQ+ professionals also play an important role in the identity exploration of youth, by providing a non-judgmental space, which can help improve well-being and support networks. While many 2SLGBTQ+ youth experience isolation and loneliness, finding and maintaining community connections can act as a powerful remedy. Beyond organizations, community events have become a lifeline for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. As one young person described, “I try and keep myself not so isolated. I want to keep it up as a good practice,” emphasizing how accessing social groups has helped them build supportive networks with people they relate to. These affirming and inclusive spaces serve as a reminder that 2SLGBTQ+ youth are not alone, and that they belong to a thriving community.
Showing Up for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and Beyond
While protecting your 2SLGBTQ+ youth can feel like an impossible task, learning to recognize different forms of discrimination is a great way to start fostering a safe and inclusive space. For example, not all instances of discrimination or prejudice will come across as mean-spirited and overt. In fact, in most cases, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are loosely disguised as a flippant remark, a silent glare, an intrusive question asked out of “curiosity” or are masqueraded as “playing devil's advocate.” These types of remarks and questions are often left unaddressed, as many young people do not feel comfortable or safe pushing back. By calling out these aggressive behaviours, we can show 2SLGBTQ+ youth that they are not alone, and that as their family, we will fight back against hate, especially when they are not comfortable doing so themselves.
Lastly, making your home a safe and inclusive space can be as simple as acknowledging days like IDAHOBIT, and knowing when Pride events are happening in your city. There are many resources and opportunities for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to form community connections. By familiarizing yourself with the services and groups in your area, you can help your youth connect with local organizations that can provide them with community support.
It is important to create an environment where your youth feels like they can talk to you openly and express themselves freely. Coming out can be a stressful and scary experience for anyone, but especially for young people. Often a pivotal moment in their lives, youth will always remember their coming out experience, and your reaction, which can impact your relationship with them going forward. You cannot control how your youth identifies, but you can control how you respond and support them.
“Had my parents not been there I would have either died or overdosed, or if I was still alive, I would be in a horrible place and it would take me so much longer to recover, but thankfully I was helped and I am here now and things turned out really well for me, but that is not the same story for a lot of my friends who were in the shelters with me.”
There has been an alarming increase in the number of anti-2SLGBTQ+ legislation being proposed and passed across North America over the past few years. This increase in anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric highlights the importance of days like IDAHOBIT, and 2SLGBTQ+ organizations that work to create and uphold community. On this year’s IDAHOBIT, take a moment to acknowledge the persistent discrimination that many 2SLGBTQ+ individuals continue to face. Although you may not be able to change laws single-handedly, you can make your youth feel safe in their identity. In a world of uncertainty and hostility, community is a strength. As a parent, your ability to create an inclusive and safe environment will be crucial as your child navigates our cis-heteronormative world.
Dr. Alex Abramovich is a scientist at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and an Associate Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He holds a Canada Research Chair in 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness and Mental Health. Dr. Abramovich is the Director of the 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Health and Homelessness Research Lab at CAMH— www.alexabramovich.me.
This piece was co-authored by Dr. Alex Abramovich and his team, John Segui, a Ph.D. student/research trainee; Nicole Elkington, a research coordinator; Michael Silberberg, a research analyst; and Sarah Scott, a Ph.D. student/research trainee.
