The International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT Day, is May 17.
While the Church has clear teachings concerning sexuality, it also insists that no-one should be rejected or excluded because of their sexuality.
In its recent declaration, Dignitas Infinita (Infinite Dignity), the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith says:
The Church wishes, first of all, “to reaffirm that every person, regardless of sexual orientation, ought to be respected in his or her dignity and treated with consideration, while ‘every sign of unjust discrimination’ is to be carefully avoided, particularly any form of aggression and violence. For this reason, it should be denounced as contrary to human dignity the fact that, in some places, not a few people are imprisoned, tortured, and even deprived of the good of life solely because of their sexual orientation.
In conversations with members of the LGBTIQ+ community our Office had recently, so many told us of experiences of harassment, bullying and even violence. This behaviour is not acceptable. Some lamented the loss of friends who could not cope with the bullying and ostracism they experienced and took their own lives.
IDAHOBIT Day is an opportunity for all of us to say to gay, bi, lesbian and trans family, friends and workmates that they are loved and accepted. We must always respect their human dignity as inalienable and inviolable.
You may find ways to show your love and acceptance for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans friends at: https://www.idahobit.org.au