International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – 17th May 2025
The safe world as I once knew it has disappeared – insofar as the world was ever truly safe. And safety varies considerably from country to country and for different groups of people. What do people of marginalised groups have in common? They often deviate from the norm. LGBTIQIA+ people for example, challenge the idea that there is only one way to be human, to feel, to move through the world. And precisely for this reason, they are threatening to those who cling to control, hierarchy and exclusion as foundations of society.
With rising horror, I watch hard-won rights come under pressure and can be nullified with a single stroke of a pen or a court ruling. Exclusion, mockery and dehumanisation are given free rein once more. It begins with one vulnerable group being targeted, but that’s merely the beginning. In the US, after trans people, autistic people are now also being targeted. Which group will follow? It spreads like wildfire across the world. I am deeply troubled by the fact that in the US, autistic people are now also under attack. I am neurodivergent myself. Nevertheless, I am relatively safe in the Netherlands. My heart goes out to those who bear the brunt of it all. One of the reasons this year’s theme for IDAHOBIT resonates strongly with me: ‘The Power of Communities’ – and flowing from that: how can I be a good ally?
The strength and resilience of LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide are truly remarkable. Despite facing persistent discrimination and adversity, these communities have achieved extraordinary progress in securing legal rights, increasing visibility, and fostering acceptance. Their unwavering determination has transformed social attitudes, established vital support networks, and created vibrant cultural spaces that celebrate diversity. The solidarity and courage demonstrated throughout decades of activism, often in the face of considerable hostility, stands as a profound testament to the human spirit and serves as an inspiration to marginalised groups everywhere.
And an inspiration to be an ally and what it means to be one. For instance it means being aware of your privileges and using them. It means listening, making space, standing up visibly – even when it becomes uncomfortable. Especially then. LGBTQIA+ people are part of our heathen communities. How as communities can we protect, heal, support and fight back – with love, with care, with visibility. It begins with seeing each other. Believing each other. Giving each other space to exist, to speak, to grieve, to grow.
As heathen and pagan communities, we can show what we stand for: particularly for our more vulnerable members. The Flame of Frith Shieldwall Initiative is an example of this: together we build a spiritual shield wall, with gods, spirits and ancestors by our side. We call people to make a shield in the form of a drawing, knitted or with words in a poem. All these shields together display our fighting spirit. A warning that we shall stand together in resistance and in defence of one another – especially for people from marginalised groups, whose struggle is even more challenging, like our LGBTQIA+ members.
Human rights exist for everyone, but in practice they are unequally distributed. That’s why there are additional rights for groups who are repeatedly excluded or attacked, like women, transgender people, people with disabilities, refugees and children. Human and other rights not only protect individuals, but also the space to be human in all your diversity.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia reminds us that we must continue to stand up for human rights, trans rights and LGBTQIA+ rights and the importance of love, identity and self-expression. Because in a world where some contest others’ right to exist, solidarity is our strongest power.