IDAHOBIT Day in Wellington

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On Monday 17 May, Wellington Shire joined cities and towns in more than 132 countries across the globe to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day).

IDAHOBIT Day was created in 2004 to draw attention to the harmful consequences of homophobia, biphobia, interphobia and transphobia and to promote a world of tolerance, respect, awareness and freedom.

The rainbow pride flag was raised at the Raglan Street roundabout in Sale and Yarram Memorial Park in Yarram.

Flying the rainbow pride flag on the day helped to raise awareness of discrimination against LGBTIQA+ communities and provided an opportunity to take action and engage in constructive dialogue.

The pride flag has been redesigned in recent years to include black and brown stripes - representing marginalised LGBTIQA+ communities of colour - and pink, light blue and white - reflecting the colours of the transgender pride flag.

By flying the Rainbow Flag we aim to:

• acknowledge and celebrate LGBTIQA+ people as an integral part of our local community
• acknowledge that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia still exist and have a devastating impact on the whole community
• publicly stand up against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
• encourage people to seek support if they experience discrimination

We also strongly encourage the use of support networks if required, such as the state-wide support network Switchboard. Switchboard Victoria provides peer-driven support services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people and their families as well as allies and the broader community.

More information about their services can be found here Switchboard Victoria.

Other resources:

• Lifeline call 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline (5 - 25 years old) call 1800 551 800
• Suicide Callback Service call 1300 659 467
• Ask Izzy
• Gippsland Youth Commitment (Youth Services Directory)
• Headspace Sale
• HeadtoHelp
• Gippsland Pride Initiative
• In emergencies call 000