In view of the current social challenges and ongoing efforts towards acceptance and equality, the equal opportunities officers in the district of Kleve are taking a clear stance to emphasize the importance of the Day of Action against Homophobia.
The history of IDAHOBIT dates back to 2005, when May 17 was first celebrated as a day of remembrance for the removal of homosexuality from the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of diseases in 1990. Since then, this day has been a significant milestone in the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
"At a time when diversity and tolerance are increasingly in demand, it is essential to pause and reflect on why IDAHOBIT continues to be of great importance," the equal opportunities officers emphasize. "We need to be aware that discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity still exist." They point with concern to an increase in hate crime against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people(LGBTIQ*), as figures published by official bodies show. While 870 crimes based on sexual orientation were registered nationwide in 2021, this figure rose to over 1,000 offenses in 2022. Against this backdrop, the relevance of IDAHOBIT is clear: it serves as an opportunity to denounce discrimination, break down prejudices, raise awareness and advocate for open and diverse coexistence.
In this context, the equal opportunities officers in the Kleve district, together with the Sozialverein für Lesben und Schwule e.V. and together Kleve, are inviting all interested parties to view the interactive art installation "Felsengarten" in Essen's city center on 17 May. This art installation aims to raise awareness of the barriers and difficulties faced by the LGBTIQ* community in Europe on a daily basis. The "rock garden" consists of transportable, lifelike artificial rocks that structure the action space and invite passers-by to cross the rock garden. Information cards are attached to individual stones and rocks, illustrating the hurdles and challenges faced by the LGBTIQ* community in Europe. There is also the opportunity to design smaller stones on site and make personal hurdles visible. It is planned to present this art installation in the Kleve district in the coming years in order to promote discussion of the issues facing the LGBTQ* community in the region.
The posters designed by the young people from together Kleve for the art installation in Essen are also to be exhibited in the foyers of town halls in the Kleve district.
As in previous years, the official flag of the LGBTQ* community, the rainbow flag, will be hoisted in front of many town halls in the Kleve district and in front of the district hall on May 17.