The National Assembly for Wales is to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), by flying rainbow flags and holding LGBT-specific events.

The Assembly announced that, as well as flying the rainbow flags, it would hold special events for IDAHOT tomorrow, 17 May, such as running tours of the Senedd for LGBT members of the public.

Craig Stephenson, Chair of the LGBT staff network, said: “IDAHOT is an important day in the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) calendar and the Assembly’s LGBT staff network, OUT-NAW, wanted to mark it by opening its doors to the LGBT community specifically.”

“The National Assembly for Wales is committed to equality in everything it does, from rights for staff to equality being reflected in all the work it does, and in the laws it passes.

“The Assembly has a strategic goal to engage with the people of Wales and this is one way of bringing the LGBT community together to learn more about their parliament.

“Supporting this event further demonstrates our commitment to equality in the work place and with the wider community in Wales.”

Gay rights charity Stonewall will also have a stall in the Senedd, in order to raise awareness about its work. Entertainment will be provided on the day by Cardiff’s LBT women’s choir the Songbirds.

Among its work for LGBT equality, the Assembly ranks in the top 30 gay-friendly organisations in the UK, runs a mentoring programme for LGBT staff, and has a presence at Cardiff Mardi Gras.

A major hospital in Nottingham has also announced that it is to show its support for IDAHOT for a third year in a row, by flying rainbow flags in support.

The United Nations earlier this week released a new strong message against homophobia, and in solidarity with the LGBT community.

The UN Human Rights Office released the video message to mark 2013′s IDAHOT, featured the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, and addressed LGBT people, saying “you are not alone”.