In the face of nationwide attacks against Latino and LGBTQ communities, the Latino Commission on AIDS urges everyone to remain “¡Presente!”
In fact, ¡Presente! is the theme of the group’s annual Week of Action. From May 12 to 17, the commission’s Zero Homophobia and Zero Transphobia campaigns host a series of virtual events leading up to the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), held each May 17.
The theme of #IDAHOBIT2025 is “The Power of Communities.” The global initiative “aims to raise awareness about discrimination, violence and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community,” according to May17.org.
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Based in New York City, where it operates the Oasis Community Pride Center, the Latino Commission on AIDS describes its ¡Presente! Week of Action as follows:
“LGBTQ+ Latine communities face unprecedented attacks in 2025—from over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures to record-breaking ICE raids targeting immigrant neighborhoods. In 2024 alone, at least 33 trans individuals were murdered in the United States. The work to end this deadly violence cannot fall solely on those most impacted. Ending homophobia and transphobia will allow everyone to express their identities more freely.
“The stakes could not be higher. Our response to the unrelenting rise of homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and anti-immigrant hatred will determine the future of health and livelihood for LGBTQ+ Latine communities. Our commitment must match their cruelty, our boldness, their bigotry, and our focus, their fear. In solidarity with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), the Zero Homophobia/Zero Transphobia campaign declares that we remain ¡Presente!”
The Week of Action includes three virtual events. Check social media for video postings. Learn more about the topics and speakers on OasisCenter.NYC/presente and by clicking through the Instagram post above.
- “VISIBLES: The Power of Being Visible in Times of Increasing Censorship and Erasure,” May 12, 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET
- “Protecting Public Health: Resisting and Regrouping after Funding Cuts," Wednesday, May 14, 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET
- “Lives on the Line: Fighting Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws & Immigration Bans.” Thursday, May 15, 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET
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Meanwhile, the May17.org site offers more background about this year’s theme and the annual IDAHOBIT:
“Developed through consultations with LGBTQIA+ organisations worldwide, the IDAHOBIT 2025 theme “The power of communities” was announced during the ILGA World Conference 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.
“IDAHOBIT, observed annually on 17 May, commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. Since then, the day has served as a focal point for raising awareness of the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQIA+ people across the globe.
“‘The power of communities’ reflects the diversity and richness within LGBTQIA+ communities, from the grassroots to the global, celebrating our varied and intersecting backgrounds, identities, and experiences. The theme for 2025 highlights the strength and resilience that emerges from our collective solidarity, recognising the contributions of human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ civil society groups, allies, and millions of people in our communities who support human rights and collective liberation.
“IDAHOBIT is not a centralised campaign; rather, it is a shared moment for communities and allies driving change around the world to take action in ways that resonate with their specific contexts and reflect their realities and priorities. Every initiative—big or small—counts and can make an impact, amplifying the movement’s reach and contributing to a world free from discrimination and violence.”
Search #IDAHOBIT2025 on social media to find IRL events near you as well as virtual happenings.
Join us May 17 for a free Pride Lunch & Learn on #IDAHOBIT. Hear from local LGBTQIA+ leaders, enjoy pizza + soda, and take part in a global day of solidarity. 11:30am–1pm at Queer Silicon Valley. Details: svpride.com/events/pride-lunch-learn-idahobit-panel #svpride #lgbtq #sanjose #IDAHOBIT2025
— Silicon Valley PRIDE (@svpride.com) May 8, 2025 at 12:19 PM
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