Celebrating LGBTI allies is the focus of a wide range of community events across NSW during May, held in commemoration of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and this year’s global theme, ‘Alliances for Solidarity’.

IDAHOBIT takes place every year on May 17, the day in 1990 that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases. The day aims to raise awareness of LGBTI rights, and the violence and discrimination that many LGBTI people throughout the world continue to experience.

In recognising the significance of IDAHOBIT, NSW’s leading LGBTI health organisation ACON has, for the sixth consecutive year, provided support to local community initiatives with a small grants scheme to help increase awareness of IDAHOBIT.

Eleven grants of $500 each have been awarded to community groups and organisations throughout NSW, ten of which are in regional NSW. Among the activities being held are community picnics, film screenings, community safety workshops, art exhibitions, a bush dancing and masquerade party. (See next page for a full list of grant recipients)

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says IDAHOBIT events are vital in ensuring visibility for LGBTI communities in both metropolitan and regional areas.

“We were excited to see a diverse range of applications for IDAHOBIT events this year and the grants committee was pleased to see a variety of events for our communities, all centred on celebrating our amazing allies.”

Mr Parkhill says commemorating IDAHOBIT is a great way for the community to promote social inclusion and unity. This year’s theme also provides an opportunity to acknowledge and thank those who have stood steadfastly behind the LGBTI community towards a shared goal of achieving equality.

“This year’s theme gives us a chance to reflect on the important role of allies,” Parkhill added. “As was evident during the campaign for marriage equality, alliances are critical in our fight for equality and social justice.

“IDAHOBIT is a great opportunity to bring together our communities to celebrate inclusion and diversity, as well as undertake activities that promote good mental health and well-being.

“It’s vital to have visibility for our communities wherever they are, as LGBTI people need to know they have safe places to be themselves and to feel celebrated for their identities,” Mr Parkhill added.

In the lead up to 17 May, an IDAHOBIT campaign and event has been developed by the Stronger Together Alliance, a working group comprising community, health and advocacy organisations. Members of the alliance are Positive Life NSW, HIV/AIDS Legal Centre, Rainbow Families, City of Sydney, Inner City Legal Centre, the NSW Police Force and ACON.

The campaign incorporates various social media activations including a video, profile frame and a virtual event on Facebook inviting people to share why they are proud to be an LGBTI ally.

“ACON is proud to work with our partners in celebrating the rich diversity of our vibrant communities in NSW,” Parkhill said. “By raising visibility we hope to continue to address discrimination, and work towards fostering an inclusive society that is healthier for us all.”

For more information:

• Visit the IDAHOBIT NSW Facebook event here: bit.ly/2JRa1L4
• View the IDAHOBIT NSW video here
• Visit the global IDAHOBIT website here: idahobit.org.au

ENDS

For more information please contact:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications

E: dalexander@acon.org.au   T: +61 (02) 9206 2044   M: +61 (0)428  477  042