For the 13th year in a row, Lesbian Organisation Rijeka - LORI is celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia with several events for LGBTIQ+ persons and the wider community.
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) has been celebrated in more than 150 countries since 2004. Its aim is to raise awareness about discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons around the world. In the Republic of Croatia, IDAHOBIT has been officially celebrated since 2011 following decision of the Croatian Parliament within National Gender Equality Policy. At the initiative of LORI, Rijeka became the first city in Croatia to mark IDAHOBIT by raising rainbow flag on the City Hall in 2013..
This year’s IDAHOBIT theme, “The Power of Communities,” reflects the diversity of our societies, from our local and personal connections to global ones, celebrating our interconnected origins, identities, and experiences.
Through its work, LORI has witnessed an increase in hate speech and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in Croatia. This is also confirmed by numerous studies conducted by human rights institutions in Croatia and internationally. A 2024 survey by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights shows that 54% of LGBTI persons in Croatia experienced harassment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in the year prior to the survey.
Therefore, on this important day for human rights, LORI continues to do what it always does: points out specific challenges faced by our community, contribute to building a society of equal opportunities for all, and, of course, create space for queer joy through coming together and socialising.
→ GOOD School: Building LGBTIQ-Inclusive and Safe Schools. At the invitation of the Civic Education and Training Initiative (of which LORI is also a member), we will present our recently published Handbook for School Staff and lead a training session on how to recognise and address LGBTIQ-phobia in schools, as well as how to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment. The training will take place online on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. It is intended for professionals who work with children and youth, as well as those working within the education system. More information about the programme (in Croatia) is available here.
→ Queer-UP! Party by LORI: Loud & Proud - because it’s always the perfect time to spread queer joy and dance, we’re welcoming IDAHOBIT in the best possible way: with great music. On Friday, 16 May 2025, starting at 11:00 PM, at The Rock Pub, three amazing hosts will guide us through the night: DJ Ganzzina (joining us especially from Ljubljana), our very own local stars Mirilo and drag queen Disko Teta. More information about the party (in Croatian) is available here.
→ On Saturday, 17 May, passengers on screens of Autotrolej buses will have the opportunity to see the most common myths about LGBTIQ+ persons in Croatia, as well as real experiences of queer persons in our country and challenges we face in everyday life.
→ On 17 May, to celebrate IDAHOBIT, the rainbow flag will once again be raised on Rijeka City Hall in Korzo street, demonstrating the city’s commitment to inclusion and togetherness.
