Recognising International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in 2020
17th May marks thirty years since the WHO declassified homosexuality as a mental illness. Every year on 17th May, over 130 countries recognise International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), including those where LGBTQIA persons are still denied basic human rights.
The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the additional barriers faced by marginalised groups. And for some lesbian, gay, bi and trans* people, they face bigger risks of unemployment, homelessness and improper access to healthcare. As we stay at home, some people still don’t feel able to live their authentic lives for fear of persecution.
Stories of Monzo
We've always had a strong LGBQA community at Monzo. This year, we asked the bank to help decide how we will showcase stories from our community. We will demonstrate our commitment throughout our Pride campaign: Help everyone belong 🤗.
Throughout Pride season, Monzo’s joining the global call to ‘Break the Silence’ by publishing our Monzonauts’ perspectives on what LGBTQIA inclusion means to them.
We'll also be participating in London Pride, Brighton Trans Pride and London Black Pride when they are rescheduled to later in 2020, as well as other LGBTQA+ events. And we’ll be launching our new Pride Monzo community group later this year to help create a stronger community and sense of belonging for our LGBTQA+ employees. We’re spending time understanding internally how we can create a more inclusive environment. Check out our Diversity and Inclusion 2020 report for more information.
What you can do to be a better ally
For some, IDAHOBIT is a time to promote your allyship and stand with the LGBTQ community. We would encourage you to take these four steps to actively stand up against discrimination:
Listen: watch documentaries, youtube videos, read blogs and hear the stories of those in the community (such as these young activists Stonewall shared)
Platform: Give trans and non-binary persons an opportunity to educate others. Hosting panels and removing bias from hiring processes are both great ways to invite people into a space where they would normally not be welcomed.
Language: Terminology can be difficult for some. Words that some people find empowering, can be triggering for others. Language evolves over time and allies have a responsibility to think about using inclusive words. Replace ‘guys’ for ‘folks’. Instead of assuming someone’s pronouns, default to ‘they/their’ or ask someone how they prefer to be addressed?
Donate: A range of LGBTQ charities exist, and during this pandemic, your donations will mean that much more. Some of our favourites include: Mermaids, UK Black Pride, The Outside Project and Imaan LGBTQI.
We’ll be sharing more during Pride month on allyship, intersectionality & remembering the folks who have given their lives in fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. We’d love to hear what you’re up to in our Monzo Community below!