Blinken marks International Day Against Interphobia.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken Celebrates International Day Against Obscure Phobias

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken took to Twitter to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. In his tweet, Blinken called for an end to harmful conversion therapy practices that attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. He also included the holiday’s alphabetism, “#IDAHOBIT.”

Understanding Biphobia and Interphobia

Biphobia refers to the dislike of people who identify as bisexual. Interphobia, on the other hand, describes prejudice against those who are intersex, meaning their bodies “fall outside the strict male/female binary,” according to Planned Parenthood.

The United Nations also marked the holiday, although it excluded mention of “interphobia” in its statement.

State Department’s Focus on Left-Wing Identity Politics

Blinken’s tweet is the latest example of the State Department’s focus on left-wing identity politics. President Joe Biden’s budget proposal included a $3 billion grant for the State Department to advance “gender equity and equality around the world.” One $400 million program at the State Department aims to foster “inclusive and responsible technology development … [for] the ability of women, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex community, and other marginalized groups to safely access digital technologies” in Africa.

Take Action Against Harmful Conversion Therapy Practices

It’s important to recognize and celebrate holidays like International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. But it’s also crucial to take action against harmful conversion therapy practices that attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. Let’s work towards a world where everyone can live their lives authentically and without fear of discrimination.

• Join advocacy groups that work towards ending conversion therapy practices
• Support legislation that bans conversion therapy
• Speak out against harmful rhetoric and discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community

Together, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world for all.