Frontrunners Paris ran against homophobia for IDAHO 2011

A few photos from Frontrunners Paris's run against homophobia in the Buttes-Chaumont park on this year's International Day Against HOmophobia.

IDAHO / Michael Kirby and Matthew Mitcham speak at Austrlian business diversity event

Kirby, progam director Dawn Hough, Mitcham

From SX News:

The inaugural Pride In Diversity Business Luncheon Awards was held on Tuesday, May 17 to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia at the opulent Glass Restaurant inside the Sydney Hilton.

The initiative and project helps to make more workplaces welcoming of diversity and supportive of LGBTI people in the workforce.

The luncheon was organised so as to present awards to Australia’s top employers for LGBTI people, calculated via use of the Australian Workplace Equality Index – a free service provided by Pride In Diversity that evaluates and benchmarks inclusiveness in Australian workplaces.

In the public sector, the Australian Federal Police was named the highest ranking employer, while IBM took out the award in the private sector. The latter was also named Employer of the Year.

Other companies in attendance at the luncheon included several blue-chips corporations like Telstra, KPMG, Lend Lease and Goldman Sachs, while guests at the included Pride in Diversity patron and former High Court judge Michael Kirby, and Olympic gold medal-winning diver, Matthew Mitcham.

Photos from Cologne rainbow flash mom against homophobia

If we're posting this photos of the preparations for the event yesterday, it's because many of those involved in this event were also involved in Gay Games VIII, giving us another opportunity to thank the many dedicated volunteers who worked for so many years to bring the Gay Games to their city, and to make it such a great experience for thousands of men and women from around the world, and who remain committed to improving their community and the world.

Vielen dank!

Cologne IDAHO 2011 rainbow flash mob

For anyone who didn't quite get enough of Cologne deputy mayor Elfi Scho-Antwerpes at the closing ceremony of Gay Games VIII, you'll enjoy these videos of today's flash mob in honor of the International Day Against HOmophobia.

Blake Skjellerup says to be gay for a day

From our friend Blake Skjellerup's Hypervocal blog:

Today, May 17th, is International Day Against Homophobia.

It seems silly to have a day for such an intolerance. Sexuality, just like skin, eye and hair color is something that is the set from birth. For a race as advanced as ours, here in the 21st century, it seems odd that such a intolerance exists.

Not only does it exist, it flourishes: Homosexuality is considered illegal in more than 80 countries across the world, and even more shocking that, homosexuality is punishable by death in seven countries.

I have been “out of the closet” now for just over one year. It’s an anniversary that I forgot to celebrate, but one I most definitely should have. Homosexuality still comes with a stigma. Some groups in society paint a picture of what they perceive homosexuality to be; nine times out of 10 it is a very far representation from the truth.

Unjust representations in the media and negative social attitudes led me to fight what I was at birthright, which led to deep bouts with self-doubt. Homophobia stems from ignorance, intolerance and fear. One person’s opinion can be passed onto another. Society’s opinion was passed onto me — the opinion that being gay was wrong.

So, today, I challenge you to be gay for a day. Imagine what it is like to live in fear — for many homosexuals, that’s everyday. I challenge you to hold the hand of a same-sex friend. I challenge you to share a kiss or a hug in a public place. The fear, adrenaline and embarrassment you feel is what many homosexuals feel every time they share affection with the one they love. Not embarrassed of what they are, or who they are, but embarrassed by the attention they receive from others for something as simple as a hug or a kiss with the one they love. Can you imagine that?

For those who know me, you love me. I am not what many depict me as. I have no radical “turn the world gay” agenda. Education does not lead to homosexuality. Education leads to a mind that can make a conscious and rational decision.

Homophobia is an extreme and irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people. You don’t have to like me, you do not have to love me, but you must accept who I am.

My name is Blake Skjellerup, and I am a homosexual. Know me before you judge me.

17 May 2011 / IDAHO in Sydney

From the Sydney Star Observer:

Gold medal-winning Olympian diver Matthew Mitcham and former High Court judge Michael Kirby [the key speaker at opening ceremony of Gay Games VI] will be special guests at the Pride in Diversity Business Luncheon and Awards at the Sydney Hilton’s Glass Restaurant on May 17.

Mitcham, who is Telstra’s Sporting Ambassador, will speak about the importance of IDAHO, which falls on the same day and will be marked by the awards. Telstra is a Pride in Diversity foundation member.

Kirby, who is Pride in Diversity’s patron, will lead a panel discussion on the importance of GLBT inclusion in the workplace.

Keep reading HERE.

17 May 2011 / IDAHO in New York City

What are you planning for the International Day Against HOmophobia? Write us at blog@gaygames.org to let us know!