Zaandam, the Netherlands, May 17, 2022 – Since 2004, people across the world recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) annually on May 17. It was created to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.
May 17 was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
Therefore, today represents a major global annual event to draw the attention of decision makers to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. At Ahold Delhaize, we believe that, as retailers playing a significant role in society, we have a responsibility to set the right example and help dismantle structures that systematically disadvantage some and advantage others. We believe in and practice promoting inclusion, compassion and an end to all forms of discrimination – every day. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.
To understand the importance of today, we had the opportunity to speak to Luuk Hoekx, Specialist Capacity at Albert Heijn. Luuk was willing to share his experiences with discrimination and what it means to him. Read how Luuk has faced and courageously handled discrimination in his life below and how he contributed to founding Ahold Delhaize Pride – alongside his colleagues Bart Vermeulen, Sven Bentum and Frits Kesting.
