This week, we fly the rainbow flag at our Shire offices to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and show support for our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer/questioning and asexual (LGBTIQA+) residents, community friends, family, allies and colleagues.
On Tuesday 17 May at 11am, Deputy Mayor Councillor Lisa Dixon, together with Councillors Debra Mar, Kerri McCafferty, Sarah Race and Susan Bissinger, Shire CEO John Baker, Shire staff and community members, gathered out the front of our Rosebud office to mark the occasion and raise the rainbow flag together.
The day was also joined by rainbow flag ambassador and community member Rebecca Stringer from Somerville, as well as comedian Geraldine Quinn.
As an organisation, we are proud of our commitment to supporting our LGBTIQA+ community. In addition to marking IDAHOBIT day each year, we also:
- Formed and co-convened the first LGBTIQA+ Collaborative on the Peninsula. The Collaborative brings together stakeholders, community members and allies from across Frankston and Mornington Peninsula to work together to strengthen connections with and enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTIQA+ communities.
- Deliver training for all Shire staff to build our capacity and confidence in working alongside and supporting LGBTIQA+ community members and staff.
- Provide services for LGBTIQA+ young people for over the past 10 years. Youth Services have partnered with various organisations to support young people and their families across the Mornington Peninsula through their Rainbow Programs including: lunchtime diversity groups in all government secondary colleges, parent and family support, after school activities and holiday Programs
- Help sporting clubs to increase capacity for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
To learn more about IDAHOBIT visit idahobit.org.au
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
“I’m proud to represent a Council that supports diversity and inclusion, and which celebrates our LGBTIQA+ community. Creating a community where everyone feels valued, supported and safe is at the heart of everything we do.
“Days like IDAHOBIT Day are so important when you consider a majority of LGBTIQA+ people in Australia will experience abuse before they are 25, with 80 per cent experiencing it at school.
“LGBTIQA+ young people are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety and four more likely to attempt suicide compared to the national average.
“If we can champion IDAHOBIT Day and work towards reducing these statistics, then our community will be happier, healthier and stronger for it.
“Thank you to everyone who joined the flag raising on IDAHOBIT Day. By celebrating IDAHOBIT and actively showing support, you are openly challenging discrimination and celebrating pride and diversity.”
