Supporting Inclusion and Diversity on IDAHOBIT

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Baw Baw Shire Council supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community for IDAHOBIT.

IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia) is held annually on 17 May to champion inclusion and build a better world for the LGBTIQ community.

In Australia:

  • 75 per cent of LGBTIQ youth experience some form of discrimination.
  • 61 per cent of LGBTIQ youth experience verbal abuse.
  • 19 per cent of LGBTIQ youth experience physical bullying.
  • 24.4 per cent of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual people experience depression.
  • 36.2 per cent of Trans Australians experience depression.

Baw Baw Shire Council recently endorsed sponsorship funding for the Gippsland Pride Initiative to run a series of local events to build and promote a more inclusive and welcoming experience for the LGBTQI community. The events focus on tackling barriers to inclusion through awareness, education, engagement and participation.

The first event, the Community Pride Forum, took place earlier this week on Wednesday at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. This was an open-door forum to discuss local issues, raise practical awareness, share personal stories and build on a commitment for a more inclusive Gippsland.

On Saturday 15 June, Council is also supporting the first ever Gippsland Pride Cup Roller Derby at Lardner Park. This is a night for local businesses, organisations and community members to demonstrate collective support of the LGBTIQ community. Later in the evening, the inaugural Gippsland Pride Gala will take place to celebrate the LGBTIQ community and loved ones.

/Public Release. View in full here.