Examining the Impact of IDAHOBLIT on the LGBTQ+ Community

In honor of celebrating IDAHOBLIT, David Harrison from Capgemini spoke about what the occasion means to him and the implications it has on the wider LGBTQ+ community. Offering advice for organizations looking to commemorate IDAHOBLIT, David discusses why he's looking forward to a future where the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia is not an occasion that needs to be marked.

Image Credit: Canva

Please could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Capgemini?

My name is David Harrison and I have been working in Cyber Security at Capgemini for the past two years. As a cybersecurity professional, my main responsibility is to ensure the security of the client’s IT infrastructure and data. I also serve as a committee member for the UK branch of Capgemini's LGBT+ Employee Network, OUTfront UK. I am proud of my involvement in this group as it demonstrates my commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the workplace.

What would you like to see next in the journey for LGBTQ+ equality?

I would like to see more done around the world to protect the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for transgender individuals who often face discrimination and violence. Conversion Therapy is also a big issue now surrounding the community. Education and awareness campaigns can help combat harmful stereotypes and attitudes towards the transgender community, and by taking action to protect and support the transgender community, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

If you could change anything about IDAHOBLIT, what would it be?

Not to have it. I would like to hope that in the future we will not need International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBLIT) because we all respect everyone regardless of their gender or sexuality. I do appreciate, however, that in some places we are a long way from this and personally, I would like to see more students learn about IDAHOBLIT while at school which can have a significant impact on creating a more inclusive and accepting society for the LGBT+ community.

By educating students about the different forms of discrimination and violence that LGBT+ individuals face, we can foster empathy and understanding and reduce prejudice and intolerance. In doing so, we can help create a safer and more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students, while also promoting respect and understanding among all students.

What does IDAHOBLIT mean to you?

IDAHOBLIT means a lot to me as it provides an opportunity to bring attention to prominent issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. The day serves as a reminder that discrimination and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity are still prevalent around the world. It is a chance to raise awareness about these issues and promote greater acceptance and understanding within our communities. For me, IDAHOBLIT represents a symbol of solidarity and support for the LGBT+ community and encourages us to work together to create a safer and more inclusive society for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.