2026 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia
posted on May 17th, 2026
Every year on May 17th, communities around the world observe the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), a global day of awareness, advocacy, resistance, and solidarity for LGBTQIA+ people.
The day commemorates May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization officially removed homosexuality from its classification of diseases.
More than three decades later, LGBTQIA+ people — especially trans and nonbinary folks — continue to face escalating legislative attacks, censorship efforts, healthcare restrictions, and hostility across the United States. This year’s observance also arrives amid continued violence against transgender people, including the recent killing of a transgender University of Washington student that has shaken LGBTQIA+ communities nationwide.
These attacks are not isolated. They are part of a broader effort to control who gets to safely and openly exist in public life.
Sports have increasingly become one of the places where these attacks play out most visibly.
And that matters.
Because sports should be a place where people can show up authentically, connect in community, and thrive.
Instead, we are watching governing bodies, politicians, and organizations increasingly use queer and trans athletes as political talking points.
Where We Are
In the United States, anti-trans executive actions and policy proposals have further fueled a climate of fear and exclusion. Dozens of states have passed or proposed laws restricting transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity. Many of these laws target youth athletes — children who simply want to play sports with their peers.
At the international level, major sports governing bodies have increasingly moved toward restrictive and exclusionary frameworks, most notably the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Once viewed by many advocates as moving toward inclusion, the IOC has recently adopted policies that further restrict transgender participation and increase scrutiny around sex and gender eligibility.
These policies shape public discourse far beyond elite competition, influencing how everyday people think about who belongs in sport.
When governments and institutions debate whether LGBTQIA+ people deserve participation, dignity, or visibility, it sends a message to queer and trans youth, runners, athletes, and community members that they are unwanted or unsafe.
We reject that message.
At Queer Run, we believe LGBTQIA+ people belong everywhere, especially in sport.
We belong at the starting line. We belong on race courses. We belong in leadership. We belong on podiums. We belong in community.
And we believe a better future is only possible when we protect the dignity and humanity of all athletes.
Running to Action
Across the country, activists, athletes, organizers, healthcare providers, educators, and community members continue fighting for inclusion and equity every single day.
We’ve seen firsthand what advocacy can accomplish.
In 2023, after community advocacy efforts, Independence Blue Cross’s Broad Street Run established its inaugural competitive nonbinary division with equal prize money awarded to top nonbinary finishers.
That happened because community members advocated and people didn’t settle for inequity.
Progress is possible, but it requires action.
Here are a few actions you can take this IDAHOBIT:
1. Sign Our Open Letter about the Philadelphia Marathon and Nonbinary Equity
If you can only take one action today, please do this one. It takes less than 5 minutes.
To sum it up: The Philadelphia Marathon and city of Philadelphia refuse to offer an elite nonbinary division, forcing nonbinary runners to misgender themselves or lose access to the event’s highest level of competition and prize money.
This letter is part of Queer Run’s ongoing commitment to advocating for equity, inclusion, dignity, and visibility for LGBTQIA+ athletes, especially trans and nonbinary runners who continue to face barriers in our sport.
Whether you’re LGBTQIA+, an ally, a runner in the Philly community, or simply someone who believes sports should be equitable, your voice matters.
By signing this letter, you are signaling – to us, our community, your peers, and most importantly, the city of Philadelphia and the marathon director – that you support a sports culture where future generations of queer and trans athletes belong.
2. Support LGBTQIA+ Organizations
No single organization can do this work alone.
There are countless local and national organizations fighting every day for LGBTQIA+ rights, healthcare access, legal protections, youth support, housing, racial justice, trans liberation, and inclusive sports.
We encourage you to follow, support, donate to, volunteer with, and amplify organizations doing this critical work.
If you’re looking for a place to start, check out Queer Run’s community resources page:
And if there are organizations or advocacy groups we should add, let us know.
3. Listen to LGBTQIA+ People
One of the most meaningful things allies and community members can do is listen.
Listen to queer and trans people when we tell you how policies, rhetoric, and discrimination affect our lives.
Listen when athletes tell you how exclusion impacts their mental health, safety, and ability to participate in sports.
And then take action.
Whether you are a cisgender straight ally or a cisgender queer peer, use the privilege and influence you have to stand up for your fellow community members.
Challenge homophobic, biphobic, intersexphobic, and transphobic comments. Push back against harmful rhetoric. Support inclusive policies. Advocate for dignity and equity.
Together, We Can Prepare the Ground for a Better Future
This year, many IDAHOBIT organizers around the world have centered messaging around the idea that “together, we can prepare the ground for a better future for everyone.”
A better future does not happen automatically. It is built through community, advocacy, and refusing to accept exclusion as normal.
At Queer Run, we remain committed to building a future where LGBTQIA+ runners and athletes are celebrated.
- One where queer and trans people can move through sport safely.
- One where nonbinary athletes are recognized and respected.
- One where community matters more than fear.
Today, and every day, we invite you to stand with us.
Because every LGBTQIA+ person deserves the chance to show up authentically, connect in community, and thrive.