Hobsons Bay City Council will join communities across the world to stand against discrimination and support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning and asexual (LGBTIQA+) community at an annual ceremony on 17 May.
Social Wellbeing and Community Services Portfolio Holder Cr Tony Briffa said Council will be holding an event in support of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
“We welcome everyone to come along and support our LGBTIQA+ communities on Friday 17 May gathering at the flag pole at the front of the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre,” said Cr Briffa.
“This year’s event is really exciting, led by proud Aboriginal queer performer Jessie Lloyd, followed by guest speaker Bobuq Sayed speaking about challenges still faced by the LGBTIQA+ community.
“As always, the day will include the raising of the Pride flag, a symbolic and significant demonstration of Hobsons Bay’s support, before we invite our community for morning tea to celebrate.”
Social Wellbeing and Community Services Portfolio Holder Cr Colleen Gates said that as a municipality, we welcome diversity and recognise that it comes through many different avenues including faith, cultural, gender and age.
“There is strength in people coming together to promote greater understanding, awareness and respect within multicultural and multifaith communities, of the lives and experiences of their LGBTIQA+ people,” said Cr Gates.
“This day is an important acknowledgement as there are still enormous barriers faced by the community. A study performed by an Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society found that 75 per cent of Australia’s LGBTIQA+ youth experience some form of discrimination, with 24.4 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual people and 36.2 of trans Australians experiencing depression.
“As a community we need to show our support so that those who identify as LGBTIQA+ know they are not alone.”
Council’s IDAHOBIT event will be at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona at the flag pole from 11am to 12pm on Friday 17 May.
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