May 17 is International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT). Today, we celebrate our friends, colleagues and the LGBTIQA+ community as we strive towards a more inclusive and equal society.
Why May 17?
On May 17, 1990 - the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. While we celebrate this milestone and other advancements in LGBTQIA+ equality, the unfortunate reality is that there's still more work to do.
Read more about the history of IDAHOBIT.
Hear from some of our LGBTIQA+ colleagues on why IDAHOBIT is important to them:
Hannah O’Brien
Scheduler – PWD & Arts Hub
“To me, days like this are so important for me and my community so we can continue to get our messages and stories out there to continue to educate those outside of our community.
I often hear people say things like “why don’t I get a pride day for being straight?” or “what do we get out of it?”. This still really upsets me and shows we have a long way to go to educate people, as I still can’t walk down the street or through the shops comfortably holding my fiancé’s hand without getting dirty looks or hearing people say awful things about us. I have been verbally, physically and emotionally abused multiple times just because of my sexual orientation and that is nothing compared to a lot of others, and compared to what I would have experienced 10, 15 or 20 years ago.
A day like today is so important to spread awareness, to people like me and my community. All we ask is you open yourself to hear a story or two and really try and put yourself in the shoes of what we may have gone through to get to where we are today, and also maybe what we are still going through.
If you see something... Say something... You may make a huge impact on someone’s life without even knowing it just by sticking up for them.”
Kristy Jenyns
Activity Planner – Yirra Mia Social Centre
“To me IDAHOBIT means speaking out on violence and discrimination towards LGBTQI people. This day starts important conversations and much needed education around inclusion and diversity, creating a safer world for my children and for yours.”
Frankie Clemente
Scheduler – PWD, Mental Health & Youth
“Today is a day to celebrate our diverse community and to fight for the rights to equality for all members of our community. We come from all walks of life and deserve the right to be treated equally. Love is love!”
Casey Richards
NDIS Community Senior Coordinator
Right to Belong Champion
"IDAHOBIT day is an important day for me In the Queer Calander. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the wins and encourage people around me to ensure discrimination is no longer experienced by the LGBTIQA+ community.
Australia has made some mementos changes towards equality, and many people I speak to believe that discrimination is no longer an issue for the LGBTIQA+ community. Unfortunately, this is not the case. LGBTIQA+ Experience discrimination in their daily lives, applying for housing and jobs or just walking through Northbridge.
To me, IDAHOBIT day is a reminder we still have work to do, to educate and make change."
Shaun Mays
Director - Strategy and Growth
"International IDAHOBIT day is important to me as although I am able to be myself at Rise, this has not always been the case. Many LGBTIQ+ people experience abuse and discrimination around the world (including Australia) and IDAHOBIT events help to educate people and raise awareness that this is still a problem."
Looking for more ways to show your support?
- Download and use one of these Teams/Zoom backgrounds for your meetings throughout the week (15 – 21 May). Show your solidarity and raise awareness! [How to use Teams backgrounds]
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Visit the IDAHOBIT website to find a wealth of resources that can answer all your burning questions on topics like using pronouns, understanding flags, queer identities, and handling coming out in the workplace.