This International Day commemorates May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Since then, campaigns, events, and rallies around the world have been held to raise awareness of the rights of LGBTIQ people and to protest against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Mayor Nino Haase emphasizes: “Especially at a time when queer people in many places are once again facing increased hostility and discrimination, it is important to take a visible stand. Mainz stands for diversity, respect, and equality. By raising the rainbow flag, we are sending a joint message against queerphobia and in support of an open urban society.”

This year’s IDAHOBITA in Mainz is once again being organized by a broad coalition of associations and initiatives. The state capital has been actively working for many years to promote equality and combat discrimination against LGBTIQ people. As early as 2013, a coordination office for LGBTIQ equality was established within the city administration. 

A current focus is on the issue of hate crimes. The Municipal Prevention Council of the City of Mainz has established a working group on "Hate Crimes Against LGBTIQ People and Women" for this purpose. This group has already developed a package of measures that is to be presented shortly and subsequently implemented to counteract the increasing violence against queer people and women in public spaces.

“The City of Mainz recognizes how important the numerous projects and initiatives in the LGBTIQ sector are for a diverse and democratic community. That is why we will continue to actively support this work in the future,” Mayor Nino Haase added.

With this year’s IDAHOBITA, the state capital of Mainz underscores the importance of securing and further expanding the progress already achieved for LGBTIQ people.