The Price of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance (#IDAHOBIT)

Who would have thought that we would see such a concerted attack on LGBTQ people and our community in this day and age? Around the world LGBTQ+ people are subject to discrimination, violence, and even death.

Currently, there are at least 474 anti-LGBTQ bills being proposed in state legislatures across the United States. This is a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills being proposed in a single year. Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay’ legislation is conservatives’ attempt to silence our voices and create invisibility. AS I’ve always said, “Silence and invisibility are killers”.

Here in Australia, we are also seeing public opposition in new areas such as Drag Queen Story Time and some religious groups are demanding their right to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.

In Uganda, known for the infamous “Kill the Gays” bill, laws are being introduced that further criminalise homosexuality.

Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe are hotbeds of anti-gay and anti-trans attitudes.

Ignorance, fear-mongering and conspiracy theories fuels all this.

Each year, May 17, is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (#IDAHOBIT). It is now more relevant than ever.

#IDAHOBIT is a day to raise awareness of the discrimination and violence that LGBTQIA+ people face. It is also a day to celebrate the progress that has been made and to recommit ourselves to the fight for full equality.

We must continue to speak out against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. We must continue to fight for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people around the world. We must never give up until all LGBTQIA+ people can live free from fear and discrimination.

What you can do to help raise awareness.

Wear rainbow colours to show your support for LGBTQ+ people.
Post on social media about the day, what it means to you and why it’s important. Use the hashtag #IDAHOBIT.
Have a conversation with your friends and family about LGBTQ+ issues.
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Our voices can make a difference and are important. By taking action, you can make a difference and help create a world where everyone is free to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify.

God I love my tribe and our wonderful allies.

Thanks for your support.

Anthony Venn-Brown OAM

Founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI)

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About the Author: Anthony Venn-Brown OAM

Anthony Venn-Brown OAM, is one of Australia’s foremost commentators on faith and sexuality. His bestselling autobiography 'A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality, church and faith', details his journey from being a national Pentecostal leader and famous preacher, preaching to 1000s every weekend in Australia’s growing mega-churches, such as Hillsong, to living as an openly gay man. Anthony was one of the first in the world to experience religious gay conversion 'therapy' and has worked to see the practice cease. Anthony was the co-founder and former leader of Freedom2b. He is an educator and consultant on LGBT/faith issues and leader in deconstructing the ex-gay/reparative/conversion therapy myth. Anthony is the founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International. Anthony has been recognised on a number of occasions for his contribution and impact including being twice voted one of 'The 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians’ (2007 and 2009) and in June 2020 he was awarded the 'Order of Australia Medal' (OAM) for service to the LGBTIQ community.