IDAHOBIT 2024: stand up for change and celebrate our LGBTIQA+ community
Friday 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.
This global event aims to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and stand against discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. As part of our commitment to inclusion and diversity, on May 17 we acknowledge IDAHOBIT as a day for our whole University community to come together against discrimination.
We stand against discrimination
As recently as 1997, being gay was illegal in some parts of Australia – and until just five years ago, same-sex marriage was not recognised in our country. While we have certainly come a long way in the advancements of LGBTQIA+ equity, the unfortunate reality is that these milestones are very recent in our experience.
A study of almost 7000 LGBTQIA+ people of all ages in Australia found that one in three people have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months because of their identity. This includes insults, humiliation and threats, just for being who they are. When it comes to creating a world where everyone is safe to be themselves – there’s still work for us to do.
Be part of the change
Join us for our 30-minute LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and How to be an Ally (IDAHOBIT) webinar on Thursday, 16 May, 12–12.30pm AEST.
Deakin’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team invites all students to attend this webinar session facilitated by Alicea Yu, DEI Coordinator, Training and Capacity Building. This bite-sized session explores why LGBTQIA+ inclusion is important, and discusses the differences between sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. We will also discuss ways we can be allies to members of LGBTQIA+ communities. REGISTER NOW
Here’s more ways how you can celebrate, be involved and show support for IDAHOBIT 2024.
Free IDAHOBIT community events on Friday 17 May
Geelong
- IDAHOBIT Morning tea, Murran – First Nations Hub, 10.30am-12.30pm: Embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, this gathering is a testament to our unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. REGISTER NOW
- Afternoon Tea at Liberty, 2–4pm: Meet Geelong LGBTQIA+ and allies to meet some amazing, dedicated leaders in Pride advocacy. REGISTER NOW
- QHub Open House event, 4pm: We invite people of all ages, family and friends to join community members, organisations and families to enjoy the space and be together. 47 Yarra St, Geelong (no booking required).
- QHub Youth Event, 5–7pm: An LGBTIQA+ for young people aged 12 to 25, including music and performances. 47 Yarra St, Geelong. REGISTER NOW
- Speakers’ Corner, 6–8pm: The Speakers’ Corner events create a space for LGBTQIA+ people from Geelong and surrounds to connect, listen and share stories about finding identity and community. REGISTER NOW
Melbourne
- IDAHOBIT Glitter Party, 3.30–6pm: An afternoon event including face painting, a photo booth, balloon twisting, glitter fairy floss, and snacks hosted by Boroondara Youth Hub. REGISTER NOW
- Pride Film Screening, 6.30–9.30pm: Join us for a free community screening of the film Pride, to celebrate IDAHOBIT in Boroondara. REGISTER NOW
Do you need some support?
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.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of discrimination or needs support, please see available services below.
Student support at Deakin
Services in the community
- Transgender Victoria
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- Switchboard
- QLife
- queerspace.
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