You might be thinking that Saturday is Boxing Day, and well you’d be right, but this year that’s not the only thing it is. It’s also International Same Sex Hand Holding Saturday.

Part of a larger campaign to to promote equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people that began back in May of 2009, International Same-Sex Hand-Holding (Sshh!) Saturday is the fourth event of its kind this year, and is primarily about encouraging same sex couples and friends to hold hands in public to help support visibilty of the LGBT community.

However this isn’t the only focus of Sshh. Also acting to motivate the LGBT community take responsiblity for gaining the equality we all so desire, Sshh! pushes those in the community who shy away from being publically seen to stand up, be counted and face those fears.

Held once every month since Septemmber, Sshh! Saturdays originated in the UK, but have now become a global event with over 20 countries worldwide participating and adding images of their same sex hand holding to the A Day In Hand website.

One couple who participated in one of the earlier Sshh! event, Alice Babatunde and Emmeline Tang said that whilst they have always held hands, despite sometimes being nervous about it, they had realised the importance of it when a group of teenagers throw a drink over Emmeline whilst calling them lesbians. Saying she was to begin with she was angry about the incident, Alice said realised “…their behaviour was because of ignorance, and the importance of A Day In Hand campaign” in helping to combat that.

In speaking about the fourthSshh! event, David Watkins, who is the founder of A Day In Hand founder said: “On Saturday December 26 we are asking people to find someone of the same gender and hold their hand in public. It may be for only one minute or for the whole day!

“A Day in Hand heralds a revolutionary way of making the world a more liveable place: a revolution in which anybody, on any day, can be a part of.

“The campaign is designed to promote equality of respect for people who wish to hold hands with someone of the same gender in public.

“By holding hands we visibly challenge stereotypes and show we love and commit like everyone else.

“Anybody can take the day in hand. Events like Sshh! Saturdays remind people that each individual has the power to change the cultural zeitgeist.

“Holding hands with your partner or your friend, where you can, is about being true to yourself and to those you love.”

Here at Queeried, we’re definitely going to be using Sshh! as an excuse to hold as many hands of gorgeous same sex people  as we can, and we’re hoping we’re going to be able to rely on you too.

Not sure what you’re up to tomorrow? Got a few moments to spare for a cause that’s going to cost you nothing but has the potential to have a long term impact? If you do, one thing you can do is take part in the 3rd International Same Sex Hand Holding Day (Sshh!) that is taking place on Saturday (28th November 2009).

Part of the A Day in Hand campaign that was launched on the 17th May 2009 this year, Sshh! and A Day in Hand is all about promoting equality and respect of people wanting to hold hands whatever their gender, and whilst UK based in origin has quickly spread worldwide in it’s mission to challenge long held and outdated stereotypes in the process. Endorsed by actor and author Stephen Fry who said that “It’s the most touching thing that’s happened all year”, this campaign is definitely one of the most simple to take part in – just  hold hands with someone of the same sex. but if you want to make an even bigger impact there are some others things you can do which include:

1. Taking A Photo Of Your Same Sex Hand Holding

Proud to be seen holding hands with someone of the same sex? Let the world see by taking a photo (or preferably getting someone else to do if you don’t want one of your feet) of you doing just that and send it to yourstories@adayinhand.com so they can spread the word.

2. Showing Your Support From World AIDS Day and Raising Money For The National AIDS Trust

The simple act of holding hands with someone of the same sex is going to make a real impact concerning discrimination, however you can also use it to raise awareness and money for the National AIDS Trust and World AIDS Day (December 1st) by doing so whilst wearing a red ribbon (available from Gap, H&M, Lloyds Pharmacies and MAC cosmetic counters as well as online at the NAT website) or getting yourself sponsored to hold hands by setting up a Just Giving page.