This year again the world resonates with activities to mark May 17

All eyes are of course on Taiwan which became on May 17 the first Asian country to allow same-sex marriage. A huge victory for Taiwan’s LGBTI+ movement, which shines a wonderful rainbow all over this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

But the Day has also seen many other great events elsewhere around the world. 

The week was kicked off in Norway, which hosted the annual European “IDAHOT+ forum” bringing together governments, European institutions, and civil society. ILGA Europe presented their annual edition of the Rainbow Maps and Index evidencing worrying setbacks in the situation of LGBTQI people in Europe for the first time in years.

In Australia, one of the countries most mobilised for May17, the national Youth LGBTQI+ has already more than 700 events reported. And that is only one player out of many. Many city councils raise the rainbow flag to mark the Day. And iconic building such as Brisbane Bridge once again light up in rainbow colors.

Raising the flag also remains very popular all over the UK, with cities, police forces, companies and many other entities participating. In Belgium’s Flemish part a stunning 100% of cities raise the flag. Read more via May 17