BRIGHTON, April 11, 2007  –  Gays in Brighton will be marking International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) next month with an event, including a ‘minute’s noise’ on the seafront.

And the local town hall will be flying the ‘rainbow flag’ all day after councillors voted to officially recognise IDAHO day – May 17.

“It’s terrible in this day and age to know that 77 governments still persecute people because of their sexuality or gender identity,” said Simon Burgess, leader of the Brighton & Hove City Council.

“It’s bad enough that there are still incidents of homophobic violence in our cosmopolitan city but at least there are laws against it and a determination to take effective action.”

The evening event, being held close to the Volks Electric Railway Station on Brighton seafront, is set to start at 8pm and will be addressed by local Member of Parliament Dr. Desmond Turner.

Highlight will be the release of 77 visually stunning ‘sky lanterns’ to represent the 77 countries that still persecute gay people with execution or imprisonment.  Sky lanterns or “Khoom Fay” have been used in Thailand for hundreds of years where they are believed to convey wishes to heaven.

“Hatred and intolerance towards people of different sexual orientations, gender identities or race is an issue for our whole community,” said Nick Antjoule.

“Only by challenging it at work, in schools, in the street and overseas will we overcome it.  I hope this event will lead to greater international cooperation and sharing of the expertise we have built up in Brighton.”

And another organiser, Cliff James added that every single person has an inalienable human right to their own sexuality, whether gay, straight or bisexual.

“But we are living in a world where men and women are still abused, imprisoned or killed by state agents because they happen to be gay.  IDAHO is a celebration of a person’s right to love and be loved by who they choose.

“It’s an opportunity to turn a spotlight on those who persecute others because of their sexuality.   There is a war of ideas going on right now between those who believe in love and tolerance, and those who believe in hatred and prejudice,” Mr. James continued.

“IDAHO is a chance for all of us, whatever our sexuality, to declare which side we are on.  Simply by coming to the IDAHO event on Brighton seafront on May 17th, people can make a declaration in defence of tolerance.”

Brighton & Hove Council’s Community Safety Team and Sussex Police are also planning an event to mark IDAHO.

SEE ALSO

Gay Expectations ‘Up North’ for International Campaign Against Homophobia.  IDAHO-UK will be joining 50 countries in the fight against homophobia on May 17.  And so far it looks like one of the strongest areas in the country will be Northern England that will be marking International Day Against Homophobia.  (UK Gay News, March 27, 2007)

Gloucestershire Gays Go Back Into Closet.  A group of gay men and women in Gloucestershire will be going back into “the closet” in May to draw attention to the fact that there are still many countries in the world where gays are persecuted, and even executed.  (UK Gay News, March 19, 2007)

LINKS

		IDAHO-UK website
		IDAHO International website

 

Posted: 11 April 2007 at 19:00 (UK time)