Queer speaker to discuss inequality

STYLIST and queer rights activist Deni Todorovic headlines a Geelong community celebration of a worldwide awareness day.

Todorovic is the guest speaker at the City of Greater Geelong’s (COGG) free event for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), which includes a discussion panel themed: Success, Courage, Pride and Overcoming Adversity.

The Sydney stylist identifies as non-binary and has become a vocal advocate in recent years for topics around gender, sexuality, race and equality.

Victorian mental health organisation Queerspace and Geelong Rainbow Inc are partners with COGG to present the event, along with organisations including WorkSafe, Barwon Health, Wellways, TAC and Victoria Police.

Geelong councillor Sarah Mansfield, who chairs the diversity, inclusion and LGBTIQ+ portfolio, said she hoped the day would help Geelong continue its progress towards eliminating gender and sexuality-based discrimination.

“The opportunities to promote equality and visibility, education and understanding are important for all members of the community to consider,” Cr Mansfield said.

“We can all play a role, whether that involves pulling friends up on discrimination or listening, learning and educating others.

“Our hope for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community is that they will see real signs of change.”

IDAHOBIT event is on May 17 at WorkSafe Geelong. It runs from 2pm to 4pm and will involve an Auslan interpreter.

Tickets are limited to 100 people, and COGG said it would release details closer to the event date. The day will also be livestreamed for people who can’t secure a spot.