The Bridge
Breaking the Silence: Celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
“Breaking the Silence: Celebrating IDAHOBIT and promoting equality, diversity, and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community. #IDAHOBIT #BreakingTheSilence”
Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Daily News Staff
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is observed every year on May 17th to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. This day was first celebrated in 2005 and has since become an important date in the LGBTQ+ calendar.
Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community takes many forms, including homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. These terms refer to prejudice, discrimination, and violence directed towards individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. This discrimination can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical violence, and even death.
The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “Breaking the Silence”. The theme emphasizes the importance of speaking out against discrimination and violence towards the LGBTQ+ community. It also encourages people to share their stories and experiences to raise awareness and promote understanding.
The LGBTQ+ community faces discrimination and marginalization in many parts of the world. In some countries, homosexuality is still illegal, and LGBTQ+ individuals face imprisonment or even death for being who they are. Even in countries where LGBTQ+ rights are protected by law, discrimination and violence are still rampant.
IDAHOBIT is an opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and to promote equality and acceptance for all. It is a day to celebrate diversity and to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the most important ways to support the LGBTQ+ community is to educate ourselves about their experiences. We can do this by reading books and articles written by LGBTQ+ authors, watching movies and TV shows that center around LGBTQ+ characters, and attending events and rallies organized by LGBTQ+ groups.
We can also take action to support LGBTQ+ rights. This can include donating to LGBTQ+ charities, volunteering at LGBTQ+ organizations, and speaking out against discrimination and hate speech.
International Day Against Homophobia
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is an important day for raising awareness about the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community. By breaking the silence and speaking out against discrimination, we can promote equality and acceptance for all. Let’s stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Visit: https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-against-homophobia-transphobia-and-biphobia/
Building Bridges: The Bridge Section Spotlights Global Community Stories
The Bridge is a special section on our website STM Daily News that spotlights articles and stories about the global community. Our mission is to build a bridge to cross over the chasm of ignorance towards understanding. We believe in promoting diversity, inclusion, equality, and positivity. We want to share stories that inspire, educate, and connect people from all walks of life. The Bridge is a platform where everyone is welcome, and where we celebrate the richness of our differences. Visit https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/ and join us in building a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Community
‘Give Like a Kid Again’ for Real-World Impact This Halloween
Costumes. Candy. Jack-o-lanterns glowing on porches. Halloween is filled with moments that spark children’s imaginations. This Halloween, children and families can “Give Like a Kid Again,” turning imagination into kindness and helping children around the world.
‘Give Like a Kid Again’ for Real-World Impact This Halloween
(Feature Impact)Costumes. Candy. Jack-o-lanterns glowing on porches. Halloween is filled with moments that spark children’s imaginations.
This Halloween, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is inviting children and families to “Give Like a Kid Again,” turning imagination into kindness and helping children around the world. For eight decades,the campaign has shown children that even the smallest act of kindness can travel farther than any front porch and shine brighter than any jack-o-lantern. As the longest-running youth engagement campaign in the United States, it has inspired generations of children to discover that when kids help kids, one Halloween tradition can turn into a lifetime of impact.
What started with just $17 in 1950, when a small group of children filled milk cartons with spare change to help children recovering from World War II, has grown into one of America’s most beloved Halloween traditions, raising nearly $200million to help the organization deliver lifesaving support for children around the world. Today, the iconic orange collection box reminds families that small acts of generosity can create lasting change.
“Each Halloween, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF reminds us that even the smallest acts of generosity can grow into something extraordinary,” said Shelley Diamond, chief marketing officer, UNICEF USA. “For more than 75 years, this campaign has shown generations of children that you are never too young to make a difference and ‘Give Like a Kid Again’ is about passing that belief on to the next generation.”
Beyond supporting programs in more than 190 countries and territories, donations strengthen the organization’s global humanitarian supply network, delivering emergency essentials like therapeutic food, medicine, blankets and safe water to children impacted by conflict, disasters and disease.
- Be a mermaid and help make waves for clean water. Help provide safe water for a child for a year for $5.
- Be a vampire and help scare away preventable diseases. World Polio Day, just a week before Halloween, provides an opportunity to protect 200 children under age 5 from polio with a $43 donation.
- Be a scientist and help uncover lifesaving answers. Provide 25 malaria diagnostic tests for just $8, helping children receive timely treatment.
- Be a teacher and help children write their next chapter. Provide 1,000 pencils to help children put their ideas, lessons and dreams on paper for $30.
- Be a chef and help cook up a healthier future. Over a two-month period, $10 can treat 15 children by providing 450 packets of micronutrient powder.
- Be an astronaut and help a girl reach for the stars. To helpsix girls feel confident in school, $36 can provide reusable menstrual pads.
- Be a snowman and help bundle up a child against the cold. A donation of $50 could provide a child in an emergency setting with winter clothing, including a jacket, hat, scarf, mittens, socks, winter boots, a warm sweater and warm puffball trousers.
- Be a soccer player (or referee) and help kick off playtime. Provide up to four packages of soccer balls for a child-friendly space for $25 to help kids just be kids again.
This October, everyone can “Give Like a Kid Again” through the iconic orange collection box, online fundraising and family-friendly activities. Visit unicefusa.org/TOT2026 to join the tradition and help make a difference for children around the world.
SOURCE:
UNICEF
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Community
PenFed Foundation Raises Over $1.2M for Veterans and Military Families at 23rd Annual Military Heroes Golf Classic
The PenFed Foundation says it raised over $1.2 million for veterans and military families at its 23rd annual Military Heroes Golf Classic.
The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes said it raised more than $1.2 million to support veterans and military families during its 23rd annual Military Heroes Golf Classic, held Monday, Aug. 31, according to a PRNewswire release. The nonprofit, based in the Washington, D.C. region, focuses on helping veterans transition “from service to success” through programs and grants aimed at military-connected communities.
“We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters whose generosity and dedication make this event—and the Foundation’s work—possible,” said retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Bradford J. “B.J.” Shwedo, president of the PenFed Foundation, in a statement announcing the fundraising total.
At a dinner held the night before the Golf Classic, PenFed Credit Union President/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO James Schenck recognized Ed Cody for 25 years of service on the foundation’s board of directors. Cody also serves as chairman of the PenFed Credit Union board and was credited with helping guide initiatives including Defender’s Lodge, the Afghan Rescue and Resettlement Program, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, and grants supporting wounded, ill, and injured service members.
The foundation said it has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members, and military families since it was founded in 2001. It also noted that PenFed Credit Union covers salaries and administrative costs, allowing more donations to go directly to programs.
What to watch for: How the foundation allocates the new $1.2M across its veteran transition and emergency support programs—and whether it announces new grant rounds tied to entrepreneurship and resettlement work.
SOURCE PenFed Foundation
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Community
Veggies for Veterans Distributes 600 Produce Bags at Phoenix VA
Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh produce in less than an hour during the latest Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Santander participated for the first time, while Peddler’s Son donated watermelons.
Last Updated on September 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Santander made its first appearance alongside volunteers and partners supporting the fresh-food distribution.
PHOENIX — Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to veterans in less than an hour during the September 10 Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.
Hosted by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, the event brought volunteers together in an assembly line to pack grocery bags and distribute them to waiting veterans. Participating volunteer groups and partners included SRP, State Farm, Fry’s, Legacy, BHHS Legacy and Santander.
“It’s been almost a decade since we’ve been doing Veggies for Veterans,” Diana Gregory said. “We want to thank all the volunteers, our partners and everyone who makes this possible.”
Veterans received an additional seasonal treat during the distribution. Peddler’s Son donated watermelons for the event, providing a bonus item alongside the bags of produce.
Dr. Isabel Kozak, a partner in the outreach effort, said the fresh food can be especially meaningful for veterans managing chronic health conditions.
“We distributed 600 bags to veterans today, and I heard many, many heartfelt thank-yous,” Dr. Kozak said. “We have veterans who have hypertension and diabetes, and I think it’s really important that we provide this very nutritious food.”
The strong early turnout kept volunteers busy as veterans moved through the indoor distribution area and the outdoor setup near the medical center’s main entrance. Gregory praised the teamwork that allowed all 600 bags to be handed out in under an hour.
Diana Gregory Outreach Services plans to hold two more community events before the end of 2026. One will be another Veggies for Veterans distribution in November, featuring more fresh fruits and vegetables.
The organization’s continuing work supports its broader mission of uplifting veterans and seniors throughout the Phoenix community.
To learn more about Veggies for Veterans, upcoming community events, volunteer opportunities or ways to support Diana Gregory Outreach Services, visit DianaGregory.com.
Reporting and video production by STM Daily News and TNC Network, LLC.
