May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This date commemorates a significant advance in human rights: on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Since 2005, the IDAHOBIT has therefore been celebrated worldwide on May 17 to honor the fight against discrimination, exclusion and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender diversity. While homosexuality was already removed from the ICD in 1990, the WHO only depathologized transgender in 2019, marking an important step towards the recognition of gender diversity and more self-determination and human rights for trans people.
The IDAHOBIT will remain highly relevant to society in 2026. Queer people continue to experience disadvantage, hostility and structural discrimination: in everyday life, at work, in the education system and in public spaces. At the same time, anti-queer and anti-trans narratives and attacks are visibly on the rise again in many social contexts. The Federal Chancellor equates the queer community with a circus tent and the President of the Bundestag bans the rainbow flag at CSD in the Bundestag. At the same time, important projects and initiatives against queer and trans hostility are having their funding cut or cut altogether. Against this backdrop, attitude, solidarity and visible signs of support are more important than ever.
At Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin, we see diversity, respect and equal opportunities as fundamental prerequisites for an open and democratic academic and educational culture. Universities are places of free thought, critical reflection and respectful cooperation. They have a special responsibility to provide a safe, non-discriminatory and respectful environment for people regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Flying the Progress Pride and Trans Flags at IDAHOBIT is an expression of this responsibility and our self-image as a cosmopolitan and diverse university. The flags symbolize solidarity with queer people and a clear stance against all forms of misanthropy and discrimination. At the same time, they make it clear that diversity enriches our university and that all members of our university community are respected and valued in their differences.
By participating in IDAHOBIT, ASH Berlin is setting an example for human rights, social cohesion and a culture of openness. We are committed to ensuring that universities remain places where diversity is protected, participation is enabled and discrimination is resolutely opposed.
