17 May: together with Arqus we celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has been celebrated every year on 17 May since 2005. This date was chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Thanks to the World Day resolution, conceived in 2004, people around the world celebrate sexual and gender diversity, and campaign against the violence and repression suffered by LGBTIQ+ people internationally.

As a multicultural and inclusive community, the Arqus Alliance believes in the strength of a united and educated society, which can raise awareness of discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people and engage in dialogue to resolve issues that may arise.

“With a broad and inclusive perspective, Arqus and its Action Line 2 Widening access, diversity and inclusion aim to develop shared policies, guidelines and a cross-sectoral, research-based strategy for inclusion and diversity for all members of the university community, at all levels, facilitating inclusive admission and recruitment policies. Three Common Charters for Sustainability, Inclusion and Gender Equality will lay the foundations for future actions within the Alliance and raise awareness, reaching out to citizens and engaging decision-makers. We pave the way to attract talent from less represented groups, leaving no one behind,” says Benedetta Zatti (University of Padua), chair of Action Line 2.

The Alliance brings together seven European universities aiming to increase inclusion (widening access and diversity) within universities, to raise awareness within local and regional spheres about different forms of inequality, underrepresented groups, diversity and inclusion, for inclusive policies at regional and national level.