It’s the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – but what does that mean? Content creators and couple Jake and Max shared their thoughts
Today (Saturday, May 17) marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, which aims to highlight violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex people. While you may think days like this are not necessary, TikTok content creators and couple Jake and Max couldn’t disagree more. “Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia haven’t just magically disappeared just because some of us can ‘get married now’ – that’s not the finish line,” Jake shared.
He continued: “These days help keep the conversation going and highlight the fact that many people still face harm and discrimination just for being themselves”. Max echoed: “Awareness is the first step towards change and there is still so much that needs to change,” highlighting that “these days push people to look outside of their usual bubble and see the real challenges queer people still face, whether it’s bullying at school or workplace, or feeling unsafe to hold hands in public”.
When it comes to the benefits of days like this as a way to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community, both Jake and Max think they’re totally necessary.
Jake said: “They give us a platform and a chance to shine a light on people’s stories and experiences. People are more likely to listen and engage with LGBTQ+ voices on these days and they really do give queer people a chance to be heard. It’s a chance to feel seen and understood”.
Max also said he would’ve felt more “secure” in himself and his sexuality growing up if he had “seen more openly gay couples being embraced and celebrated” when he was growing up.
For those who may be questioning whether we still need days like today, Jake explained that “just because you are accepting” does not mean that’s “true for everyone,” and it’s important to remember that.
Max highlighted: “It’s a bit like saying we don’t need seatbelts anymore just because you haven’t personally crashed your car. These days are still saving lives, maybe not yours, but someone else’s, and that can only be a positive thing.”.
Unfortunately, both Jake and Max have been victims of homophobia. To those experiencing homophobia, biphobia or transphobia now, Max said it’s important to “find a community or circle you feel safe and comfortable around,” highlighting the importance of having a “constant reminder you’re supported and not alone”.
Max explained his heart-breaking story: “So my first ever experience of homophobia has always stuck with me. It was actually a comment made to me by a teacher in secondary school in front of a classroom of teenagers.
“I was taking part in a play my school were putting on and was late to class from rehearsals, and he made a few comments about boys being involved in theatre and assuming my sexuality, along with some other inappropriate and offensive comments.
“I was around 13 at the time, so I still didn’t fully understand my own identity. That feeling of standing in front of a class of around 20 peers, feeling so uncomfortable and humiliated, has stuck with me ever since.”
Jake has his own story, too. He shared: “For me, I’ve experienced a lot of homophobia in the form of microaggressions. Not being invited to certain events or included in certain conversations because people assume that gay men aren’t interested in those topics. Or something as simple as someone saying ‘you don’t look gay’.
“A big one we see almost daily are the comments people make online when a brand or even an individual supports the LGBTQ+ community (or any inclusivity for that matter), even just the mention of anything to do with inclusivity is enough for people to make hateful comments on posts or articles which shows why days like these are still needed.
“My advice to anyone experiencing this would be to protect your peace as much as possible, set boundaries, speak up whenever you feel safe to, remove yourself from people or spaces that make you uncomfortable, and just try to surround yourself with supportive people. Know your identity is valid, and you deserve to be treated with respect!”
If you’re struggling with anything related to sexuality and gender identity, contact Switchboard. You can email, call, or live chat them.