Today is International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

What is IDAHOT?

Today (17th May) is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities. IDAHOT was created in 2004 to ‘draw the attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public and the media to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally’. The day represents an annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms.

May 17th is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, uniting millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is not one centralised campaign; rather it is a moment that everyone can take advantage of to take action.

The Creative Case for Diversity

Ludus Dance operates a Single Equality and Diversity Policy and Action Plan and, as an Arts Council England supported organisation, firmly believes in and supports the Creative Case for Diversity and ‘that this is one of the most important issues of our age. Diversity is one of the most important issues of our age. We live in a remarkably diverse society, and how we evolve and face the challenges of the future will depend on how we can use the creative resources that diversity gifts us’.

Our inclusive approach

Our inclusive approach is recognised and valued in the dance industry, by our partners, in the education sector, and in the local and wider communities where we work. We prioritise hard to reach people and places, championing work with, and for, children and young people.

Come and see ‘The Room’

We are particularly proud, and want to give a big shout out today to our Creative Director Anthony Briggs who has created, and been performing around Lancashire, a relevant piece of work for young audiences.

The Room challenges traditionally perceived notions of gender, identity and sexual orientation, drawing on his own and others’ experience of coming out, dealing with the initial fallout, and subsequent aftermath. The solo work combines dance, theatre, performance, and enhancing technologies to an original score.

Anthony will be performing The Room during Lancaster Pride this Saturday 20th June at Ludus Dance. Book your tickets.

“The Room’ is a powerful, insightful and honest performance piece that encapsulates the emotional conflict that many LGB and/or T people experience in their lives on the journey to coming out and self-acceptance.” – Travis Peters, Project Development Officer, Lancashire LGB