The cold, windy evening didn't stop the songs and didn't stop a few of the planned 77 colour lanterns being launched over Brighton Pier to mark the International Day Against Homophobia 2008. With homosexuality still outlawed in 77 countries being out as a gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans person is still a huge issue for many millions of people around the globe.

Although the wind prevented the majority of the lanterns from being released, some did successfully make it into the skies and cheers went up. As well as songs from the City of Brighton Gay Men's Chorus and the Rainbow Chorus, we also heard from Green Councillor Caroline Lucas who spoke powerfully about the issues around homophobia in both this country and abroad:

"We mustn't be complacent just because we've achieved some good things here in Britain... there's still lots to be done! We need to keep the pressure up on our own government for action here at home and for a much stronger foreign policy."

Caroline spoke about the recent events surrounding Moldovan Pride where police failed to guarantee the right to a peaceful march in support of anti-discrimination legislation when extremist groups became aggressive and the event was stopped. She also asked us to put pressure on the government to stop deportation of LGBT people when they face torture and possible death on return to their own countries, "for a government that prides itself on LGBT issues it's outrageous."

IDAHO will continue to be an important day on the LGBT calendar for as long as homophobia exists in the world... which may be a long, long time yet.