It’s IDAHOBIT 2023! Here’s how to celebrate our LGBTIQA+ community
Wednesday 17 May is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) – a great opportunity to show support and allyship to our LGBTIQA+ family, friends and colleagues.
IDAHOBIT marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s 1990 removal of the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder. It celebrates LGBTIQA+ people globally, while raising awareness of the work still needed.
No one should experience violence or discrimination because of their sexuality or gender identity. As a university community, we set strong standards – it’s up to all of us to address unacceptable attitudes and behaviours:
At Deakin, we have made a deep commitment to inclusion and diversity – it is central to our organisational values. We support and welcome people from the LGBTQIA+ community and are proud to work together with students and staff to create an open and accepting experience for everyone, both on and off campus.
—Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin
Here’s how you can celebrate, be involved and show support for IDAHOBIT 2023:
- Attend the IDAHOBIT Youth Hang Out with Minus18: this free afternoon of activities and fun is a great way to meet other members of the Victorian LGBTIQA+ community (ages 12–19 only)!
When: Saturday 13 May, 2–4pm, Victorian Pride Centre, 79–81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Register now - Discover the power of allyship: in this free panel event, LGBTQ Allyship in Action, experts will discuss how allies can amplify queer voices.
When: Monday 15 May, 3–4pm
Register now - Stop by the IDAHOBIT stall run by Deakin Pride (Burwood Campus only): we’re part of the Beats & Eats event happening during DUSA Self-care Week, and you’ll find us on Morgan’s Walk – if it’s raining we’ll move into Level 2 of Student Central.
When: Wednesday 17 May, 11.30am –1.30pm. - Learn how to be an ally: in this free webinar, we’ll explore what LGBTQIA+ inclusion looks like, how to use inclusive language and the role we can all play as allies to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
When: Wednesday 17 May, 1–1.45pm
Register now - Be active in a safe space: at DeakinACTIVE, we want our facilities to feel welcoming and accessible for all. Come and train at our in-campus health club facilities for free – and with no obligations. Lights will be dimmed and the music low for a welcoming sensory environment. The main aim is to get you all moving and feeling comfortable at the same time!
When: Every Wednesday, 7–10am - Grab a free Deakin rainbow lanyard: it may seem like a small thing, but this tangible show of support is priceless. Just email [email protected] for your free rainbow lanyard!
Looking for more ways to get involved? Here’s how you can go rainbow to build a world free from discrimination on 17 May.
Do you need some support?
There’s a range of LGBTIQA+ support at Deakin, so learn more about what help is available, including information on gender affirmation. You can become a member of our LGBTIQA+ community by emailing [email protected].
There’s also community organisations you can contact, including:
- Transgender Victoria
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- Switchboard
- QLife
- Queerspace.
Deakin pledges to never stay silent about homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. We will always stand with our LGBTIQA+ students and staff. We are part of the solution.
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