The World Health Organization’s decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness from the International Classification of Diseases marked a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness worldwide. This change resulted from extensive lobbying by LGBTQ+ groups and mental health professionals who argued that classifying homosexuality as a disorder contributed to societal stigma and discrimination. The resolution was finalized during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, where delegates from WHO member countries convened to discuss global health challenges. It was clear that the implications of this decision extended far beyond clinical classifications and into the realm of human rights.This historic move did not happen overnight. Over the decades leading up to the decision, there was a significant shift in public perceptions of homosexuality, fueled by activism, research, and changing social norms. Notably, in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II), which set a precedent for similar organizations worldwide. By 1990, increased visibility and advocacy from LGBTQ+ activists played a crucial role in influencing WHO's actions.By removing homosexuality from the ICD, the WHO not only acknowledged the validity of LGBTQ+ identities but also helped catalyze changes in mental health treatment, promoting the understanding that sexual orientation is an intrinsic aspect of human diversity. This reclassification was celebrated as a landmark victory for advocacy groups striving for equality and acceptance in societies globally, emphasizing that mental health care should be equitable and respectful of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.