Today, we celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which was created in 2004 to "draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics." (Source)
May 17th was chosen for this celebration as it marks the day when the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990. Now, May 17th is celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal.
James Baldwin (1924-1987) was an American essayist, novelist, playwright, and activist, widely considered to be one of the 20th century’s most influential writers.
Baldwin was an openly gay Black man living in America (and later, Europe), and his works explore the intersections of race, sexuality, and class distinctions in Western society. Baldwin's literary impact established him as one of the leading voices during a time of major political shifts, such as the civil rights movement and the gay liberation movement, and his words continue to resonate with many worldwide to this day.
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