IDAHOBIT 2025: The Power of Communities & the Spirit of Co-operation

This year’s theme, The Power of Communities, is a powerful reminder that real change happens when people come together with shared purpose and care for one another.

At its core, IDAHOBIT is about dignity, safety and the right to live without fear. It calls on all of us to stand against discrimination and to imagine a world where everyone is respected for who they are.

This message is strongly connected to the values behind the Co-operative movement. Co-operation isn’t just a way of working together, it’s a belief in fairness, equality and the idea that we’re stronger when we support one another.

That’s why this year’s IDAHOBIT theme really speaks to our mission at Midcounties. When we say, "Through the power of co-operation, we're building a fairer, more sustainable, and ethical future," we’re talking about exactly this. Creating fairness means making sure everyone feels safe and included. Working ethically means standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not the easy option. And building something sustainable means making sure we leave no one behind.

The power of communities shows up in small, everyday actions. We can do this by listening to each other, by learning, by standing up when something’s not right. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about choosing to act with care, empathy and respect.

So today, as we mark IDAHOBIT, let’s take a moment to think about how we can each play a part. Not just as individuals, but as a collective that believes in something better where everyone is welcomed and valued, just as they are.

To learn more about IDAHOBIT and how you can support LGBTQIA+ communities, visit may17.org