Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) and 1.5 billion people currently live under laws that criminalize same-sex relationships.

From United Nations conferences to outlawed demonstrations, hundreds of events are taking place on all continents. 95 countries around the world have seen activists develop actions around May 17.

Only a few days ago, President Obama made international headlines by announcing his support for same-sex marriage, and sent a signal of hope and pride to millions of people around the world.

Almost at the same time, the Argentinean Senate passed the world’s most progressive law on gender identity, allowing people to choose their gender identity without the need for gender reassignment surgery, among other progress.

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On International Day against Homophobia, Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and London MEP Sarah Ludford has given her support to young LGBT people suffering from bullying or discrimination at school.

Sarah has taken part in a video message from European leaders to gay and lesbian youngsters, telling them how they are working to ‘make things better.’

She commented, “Growing up is difficult enough, but for those coming to terms with being lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender it is made much harder by bullying or isolation at school. Many are at greater risk from mental and physical health problems and some even attempt suicide.”

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