WHO Removes Homosexuality from International Classification of Diseases
On 17 May 1990, the 43rd World Health Assembly endorsed the tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. ILGA had campaigned for this change since its founding in 1978. The ICD-10 explicitly states that sexual orientation by itself is not to be considered a disorder. This date — 17 May — was later chosen as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), observed annually in over 130 countries.
Impact & Significance
The WHO declassification was a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights globally, removing the institutional medical justification for conversion therapies and discrimination. The date itself became a powerful annual rallying point celebrated worldwide as IDAHOBIT.
Reference Record
- Date
- 17 May 1990
- Era
- 1990-1999
- Sources
- 1
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