‘Breaking the Silence’ is theme of this year’s IDAHOT day

Finnish ministers and the government network for cooperation on LGBTI issues will observe International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) this Sunday with a campaign consisting of video greetings of the ministers.

The theme of this year’s IDAHOT is ‘Breaking the Silence’, said a government press release on Thursday.

IDAHOT is observed every year on 17 May. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness on discrimination experienced by sexual and gender minorities and to encourage actions to rectify the shortcomings.

A two-day communications campaign began on Thursday highlighting the work being done by different administrative branches to promote equality of and non-discrimination against the LGBTI community and the government’s commitment to the same.

Ministries have shared videos and quotes on their social media channels on 14 and 15 May using the hashtags #idahot2020, #yhdenvertaisuus and #tasaarvo.

The government has an informal network for cooperation on LGBTI issues comprising representatives from different ministries, the office of the non-discrimination Ombudsman, the office of the Ombudsman for equality, and civil society organisations.

The justice ministry and the social affairs and health ministry coordinate the activities of the network.

The network aims at improving the internal cooperation and coordination of work related to fundamental and human rights of sexual and gender minorities within the government and strengthening cooperation on these matters between the government and the civil society.