Regions celebrate IDAHOBIT

ANOTHER International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) has wrapped with communities across Greater Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast conducting several events to celebrate the all-inclusive day.

Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Cr Isabelle Tolhurst led IDAHOBIT proceedings outside the Borough’s council office alongside community members and fellow councillors, raising the rainbow flag in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.

“On IDAHOBIT, we stand with members of the LGBTQIA+ community to promote equality and inclusion, and reject discrimination and violence,” Mayor Tolhurst said.

“Raising the rainbow flag signifies that the Borough welcomes everyone, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or who they love.

“We are committed to equality and inclusion year-round for all in our community.”

The City of Greater Geelong participated in the day by flying the rainbow flag above City Hall on May 17 and hosted a sold-out event featuring an array speakers, headlined by transgender person and former AFL player/coach Danielle Laidley.

Held at The Gordon in partnership with Drummond Street Services, Geelong Cats, Geelong Rainbow, Nicholes Family Lawyers, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Victoria Police, WorkSafe Victoria and Wellways, Ms Laidley shared her insights into living life as a transgender person.

She also spoke on her career within the AFL and the barriers she has overcome, as well as offering advice for how organisations can be more inclusive and supportive of LGBTIQA+ people.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Cr Liz Pattison, who led a community flag raising ceremony outside the Council civic building, said the region was proud to be part of a historical first.

“We have been at the forefront in the local government sector for many years with flying of the rainbow flag, and this year we will be far from alone,” Cr Pattison said.

“It makes me incredibly pleased and proud to acknowledge that every council in Victoria, from Alpine to Yarriambiack and everywhere in-between, was flying rainbow flags in support of IDAHOBIT.

“This makes Victoria the first jurisdiction in the world to have every local government flying the rainbow flag for IDAHOBIT. We were part of a world-leading occasion on this special day.”

For more information on IDAHOBIT, head to www.idahobit.org.au