The Wonthaggi Civic Centre will be lit up tonight (Tuesday, 17 May) to acknowledge and support International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said that the Wonthaggi Civic Centre will stand proudly bathed in the colours of the rainbow.
“This is one small way that we can show our solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, colleagues and community,” Cr Whelan said.
“IDAHOBIT Day is an opportunity to raise awareness against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and to stand with the LGBTIQ+ community to show that together we can make a difference.”
Thirty-one years ago on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
Now, on this date, IDAHOBIT Day celebrates LGBTQIA+ people around the world and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.
Cr Whelan said Council works in partnership with local networks, including the South Coast Inclusion Network and local health and community service providers to progress LGBTQIA+ inclusion and promote acceptance of diversity across its services and communities.
“There is no place in our community for discrimination. We value our diverse community and will continue to work towards ensuring Bass Coast is a safe and inclusive place for everyone,” Cr Whelan said.
“Council is committed and passionate about hearing from our LGBTQIA+ communities to inform our work.
“We have also developed a Gender Equality Action Plan. The principles of Gender Equality include specific reference to achieving equality and freedom from violence for all genders and people of all sexual orientations.
“We know that gender inequality may be compounded by other forms of disadvantage or discrimination that a person may experience and we are committed to achieving gender equality within our organisation and community,” Cr Whelan concluded.
