WEDNESDAY, May 17 was International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, affectionately known as IDAHOBIT Day.
Observed on May 17 each year to mark the day, May 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases, it aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTIQ+ rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTIQ+ rights work worldwide.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, the State Water Minister, has been at the forefront of raising awareness and fighting discrimination against members of the LGBTIQ+ community and has encouraged the community at large to celebrate the occasion.
“For LGBTIQ+ people we experience threats, discrimination, exclusion and stigma every day. And the impact lasts a lifetime,” Ms Shing said on Facebook while praising the local councils and organisations supporting the day.
“Our visibility, dignity, safety, pride, and inclusion matters - not just today on IDAHOBIT: International Day Against LGBT+ Discrimination, but every day.
“Thank you also to the allies who stand with us - our families, friends, communities and supporters. Your voices and your care make a world of difference.”
While we celebrate this milestone and other advancements in LGBTQIA+ equality, the unfortunate reality is that there's still more work to do.
LGBTQIA+ people in Australia still today experience disproportionate rates of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Locally, both the Bass Coast Shire Council and the South Gippsland Shire Council have raised the ‘Rainbow Flag’ today and it’s likely the celebration of IDAHOBIT Day will be mentioned at both council meetings which are being held today.
In recognition of IDAHOBIT Day and promoting a community free from LGBTQIA+ discrimination, Wonthaggi Union Arts Centre was illuminated in rainbow lights on Wednesday night between 5:00pm and 11:45pm.
In the lead up to IDAHOBIT:
- Bass Coast Shire Council has been actively supporting events that celebrate diversity and promote a Bass Coast free from LGBTQIA+ discrimination, including:
- Last week, the Bass Coast sporting community witnessed a powerful display of unity and acceptance during the Pride Cup, Pride Match, hosted by the Bass Coast Breakers women's football team. The event showcased the team's unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community, with a rainbow 50m arc, rainbow lights and rainbow flags around the venue.
- Bass Coast participated in the Midsumma Pride March
- Bass Coast proudly supported the Bass Coast Youth Pride Prom, in collaboration with Bass Coast, YMCA, headspace, Victoria Police, Freeza, Engage, and the Victoria State Government, Council
- Bass Coast showcased other community groups and organisations through the events page on Council’s website.
In the future Bass Coast Shire Council is also supporting:
- The highly anticipated Pride Gala on 3 June, organised by the Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc – currently sold out.
- AMPLIFY on 13 June, the Wonthaggi Union Community Art Centre will host an art exhibition and talent show for young people aged 12-25: https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/explore/whats-on/events/amplify-presents-pride-months-exclusive-talent-show
Bass Coast Council also has several policies and plans that support inclusion and drive service delivery, including:
- Gender Equality Action Plan 2021 (GEAP)
- Gender Impact Assessments and the
- Healthy Communities Plan 2021-2025
- Applications are also currently open for funding of up to $2000 for not-for-profit community organisations and groups to implement a project or initiative that aligns with the Healthy Communities Plan 2021-2025: https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/community-support-services/healthy-and-inclusive-communities
