MEMBERS of the Swan Hill Community have come together at Swan Hill Library to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia.
IDAHOBIT Day is held each year on May 17, having been begun in 1990 to mark the World Health Organization removing homosexuality from its classification of diseases and related health problems.
Swan Hill’s celebrations began at the library with a Rainbow Move and Groove session that saw Victoria Police Constable Hayley Selby read Sophie Beer’s storybook Love Makes a Family to children and parents.
The children attending wore rainbow necklaces they had created for the event and were treated to a morning tea full of slices and biscuits.
Attendee Casey Simmonds said she was excited to see so many people in support of the LGBTIQ+ community.
“It’s exciting to be a part of it all, especially at so many levels with both kids and adults, to celebrate such an important day,” Ms Simmonds said.
“Hopefully we will be able to make some change for the future.”
“I’m really proud that our library and community has embraced it.
“It’s a wonderful day and I hope everyone is able to get involved in their own way.
“I hope that next year we are able to see even more people down here to celebrate with us.”
Celebrations continued from 11am, with staff from headspace and Youth Inc in attendance, as well as Mayor Les McPhee chatting to those present.
Manager of headspace Swan Hill, Kirsty Jacobs, said celebrations such as this were integral to breaking down barriers in the community.
“It’s really meaningful to be a part of today,” Ms Jacobs said.
“It’s so important, given how many young people identify as part of the rainbow community, as well as how high the prevalence of mental health issues is with young people.
“Today is all about trying to create awareness and understanding for a group of people that are really navigating lots of things in their world, and for us to be able to approach that with kindness, understanding and curiosity.
“Both nationally and locally, the LGBTIQ+ community is a priority group for us.
“We try to allocate staff members and resources to make sure we can attend days like today and do as much as possible in the community.”
To mark IDAHOBIT Day, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the State Government would invest $1.85 million in Rainbow Health Australia to assist in the delivery of inclusion training and make sure service organisations were safe and trusted to those in the LGBTIQ+ community.
“Equality in Victoria is not negotiable,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’re building a state that is inclusive for everyone, because every space should be a safe one for LGBTIQ+ Victorians.”
Anyone requiring urgent help can call Lifeline’s 24-hour number, 131 114.
For crisis support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, headspace on 1800 650 890 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
