today is the international day against homophobia and transphobia

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, sometimes called IDAHO or IDAHOT.

This day is the perfect example of how I view all social progress: we have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go.

Come a long way: yesterday at the library, I put up a IDAHO display in the youth area. I found more gay- and lesbian-themed youth fiction than I could fit on the display. This filled me with such joy, knowing that gay and lesbian teens in my area can see their authentic selves reflected in the world around them, the way LGBT people in their parents' and grandparents' generations never could.

Still have a long way to go: where to begin? Most LGBT people do not live in a world that accepts and affirms their lives. And millions live in a world that criminalizes their basic humanity.

Please visit this page for 17 reasons we need May 17: #May17Because.