By Brittany Drysdale
EVERYBODY has the right to feel safe and accepted for being who they are. And that’s exactly what Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination is all about.
Held every May 17 since the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the classification of diseases in 1990, IDAHOBIT celebrates advancements in LGBTQIA+ equality, while fighting against discrimination.
Stigma and intolerance against members of the LGBTQIA+ community is still prevalent in Australia today with 2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ youths experiencing abuse due to their identity, and 35% of LGBTQIA+ Australians experiencing verbal abuse in the past 12 months.
Around Australia, over 478,986 people attended registered IDAHOBIT activities on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, adorning themselves in prideful rainbow colours. The events aim to provide a safe space for community members, peer support, awareness for the cause and action for real change.
The Greater Shepparton City Council hosted this year’s Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination in Queen Victoria Park, complete with activities, games, and guest speakers.
Representing community help organisations, peer-support worker from Headspace Shepparton, Tone Jessup expressed the vitality of bringing awareness to the discrimination LGBTQIA+ community faces daily, reminding people what inclusion and acceptance mean on an individual, community, and global scale.
“As a queer person, it’s important to stand up and show up. IDAHOBIT day is incredibly impactful, and also an opportunity for our youth to see that people care about continuing the fight against discrimination,” said Tone.
Proud GV Pride member and secretary Damien Stevens-Todd highlighted the importance of pride events, stating that inclusion is not negotiable.
“Celebrating diversity in all its forms need to be front of mind for everybody always- especially today for the LGBTQIA+ community”, said Damien.
“Everybody should feel safe to be their authentic selves.”
