17 May 2021 marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). IDAHOBIT was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Here's what some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have to say on IDAHOBIT 2021:

Namibia Diverse Women’s Association (NDWA)

NDWA continues to call upon all LGBTI community members to remain together as a collective by being resilient through the struggles as we build support systems that would assist our processes of healing into realising equal recognition, protection and socio-economic development.

NDWA further calls upon the Namibian government, civil society organisations, state institutions and the broader nation to resist affirming any form of Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexism in Namibia as such phobia is irrational fears exerted onto members of the LGBTI community.

NDWA believes the fundamental principles and values of the Namibian nation are to amplify the rights of all Namibians in unity and justice. Today, 17 May 2021, should be a reminder to us all not to degrade and dehumanise members of the Namibian society based on their sexual and diverse orientations.

NDWA and all members of the LGBT community remain committed to demystifying Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexism and upholds the Namibian constitution including the current COVID-19 pandemic guidelines instituted.
We look forward to a Namibia that Resists any form of Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexism by embracing a nation of diversity through healing and support.

Read the NDWA's full Press Statement by clicking here.

Namibia Equal Rights Movement (NERM)

On Monday, we gather for a candlelight vigil in solidarity for our LGBTQ+ community. To send a message, that hate, discrimination and violence has no place in a ‘Born-Free’ Namibia.

Performance by @lizeehlers.

Please bring your own candles with. Musicians & Poets welcome to perform. Zoo Park; 6:15 PM.

Community gathering at Café Prestige after the vigil.