On this day in 1990 - IDAHOBIT
On 17 March 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of 'psychiatric diseases'. This anniversary is now recognised around the world as IDAHOBIT - the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia.
It is less than 35 years since homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization’s list of psychiatric diseases, on 17 May 1990.
17 May is now recognised by millions of people around the world as IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia.
It is celebrated as a milestone in equality but a reminder more must be done to eradicate discrimination and harassment towards the LGBTQIASB+ community.
In its Advocacy Priorities 2024-26, AMA Queensland identified the LGBTQIASB+ community as a core priority. It has established a Working Group to advocate for equity in health for all patients and medical practitioners.
The Working Group’s initial short- to medium-term advocacy priorities include:
- Addressing the persistent gap in data on fatal LGBTQIASB+ suicide
- Representation within the principal committees of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
- Representation with the Australian Medical Council and enhanced education and accreditation standards
- Consultation and inclusion within all significant health organisations and peak medical bodies.
The Medical Board of Australia recently released a breakdown of Ahpra’s latest Medical Training Survey data, showing LGBTQIASB+ doctors in training reported the highest rates of experiencing bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or racism, largely by medical colleagues and other health practitioners.
The results are disheartening but unsurprising.
AMA Queensland encourages all Queenslanders to get involved in IDAHOBIT and help build a world free from discrimination.
You can read more here.
