SWAN Hill community will join together at Cafe Allure tomorrow to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia.
Designed as a chance to promote safe and open conversation, Swan Hill District Health Health Promotion officer Hayden Collins said it was a great chance for all community to get together and show their support.
“Last year we held an event in the main street where members of community could write words of love and support onto coloured pieces of fabric which we then tied to a gate,” he said.
“It was a great way to engage people and start a conversation and it was well supported.
“The gate will soon be on display permanently at the library.”
This year’s celebration will be an informal affair with finger food provided free and drinks at cafe prices.
Mr Collins said despite recent positive changes such as the marriage equality plebiscite it was still important to show support to our direct community.
“It’s an informal event and we chose to hold it between 3.30pm and 4pm to try to catch the school traffic,” he said.
“It’s important we continue to share the message of love and support with our LGBTI community and keep the awareness in the community.”
Mr Collins said the response to the diversity wall located on the McCallum Street side of Cafe Allure had drawn strong support from community and more than adequately served its purpose.
“I still see people stop there and have a chat and that’s what we hoped it would do,” he said.
“We expected it might only last a month but due to low rainfall it’s still there four months later.
“The fact it has been respected and has not fallen victim to graffiti is also testament to the communities acceptance and support.”
