On May 17 we join with communities around the globe who are celebrating IDAHOBIT.
On this day 31 years ago (in 1990) the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
IDAHOBIT stands for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia and raises awareness of the work still needed to combat discrimination against the LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual) community. Brimbank City Council publicly acknowledges the significance of this day, and what it means to LGBTIQA+ communities in Brimbank and across the globe.
Here at Brimbank Council, we are passionate about supporting the LGBTIQA+ community.
For the eighth year, Council will show our support by raising a rainbow flag that will continue to fly outside the Civic Centre in Sunshine throughout the week of IDAHOBIT.
Crystal Queer is a social support group for young people aged 12-23 years who live, work, study or hang out in the Brimbank region and identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or as an ally. For more information complete the expression of interest form on the Brimbank Youth Services website and one of the team will be in touch.
An LGBTIQA+ pride flag welcomes everyone as they enter VISY Cares Hub in Sunshine. Recently renovated and re-painted by our Crystal Queer Youth Program members, this helps identify the Hub as a safe and inclusive venue for all.
Council is also currently showing the ‘Freedom is Mine’ exhibition at Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. This exhibition has been developed as a collaborative project between photographer Peter Casamento and Many Coloured Sky, the Queer Development Agency of THREE for All Foundation. These intimate photographic portraits of LGBTIQA+ refugees and people seeking asylum are important expressions for members of Many Coloured Sky’s Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers community.
There is still a lot more work that needs to be done to further inclusion, understanding and safety and stop discrimination in communities around the world. Council is proud to be supporting and standing alongside the LGBTIQA+ community now and in the future.
