1990 – WHO Declassifies Homosexuality as a Mental Disorder

On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. While this moment is global in scope, it had significant implications for Black LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, particularly in African, Caribbean, and diaspora nations where colonial-era laws and social stigmas had long criminalized queer identities. The decision by the WHO marked a turning point in global health and human rights advocacy, fueling movements in countries like South Africa, which would go on to enshrine LGBTQ+ protections in its post-apartheid constitution. In the Caribbean and across the African continent, activists used this milestone to push back against homophobia rooted in both colonial legacies and contemporary cultural dynamics. May 17 is now commemorated as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB)—a date used by activists to promote inclusion, awareness, and justice for queer people of African descent. It remains a vital part of Black international human rights history.