Get involved and stand against discrimination this IDAHOBIT
Saturday 17 May is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Recognising the 35th anniversary of when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases, this global event promotes awareness, acceptance and standing against discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
At Deakin, we are committed to creating a place where LGBTQIA+ people feel included, have a deep sense of belonging and can thrive in their chosen paths.
Find out ways you can get involved in IDAHOBIT or support for LGBTIQA+ family, friends, colleagues and community.
Why is IDAHOBIT important?
While rights and inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual and pansexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and aromantic (LGBTQIA+) people have come a long way in Australia, LGBTQIA+ people and communities still continue to face varying and intersectional forms of exclusion, harassment and discrimination.
In Australia 1 in 3 young people still experience harassment because of their sexuality or gender identity. In workplaces, LGBTQIA+ employees are 10.6% less likely to feel they can be themselves at work.
Internationally, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner, private, consensual same-sex relationships are still criminalised in over 60 countries.
Get involved in IDAHOBIT 2025 and LGBTQIA+ inclusion at Deakin
Do you know what you can do on a day-to-day basis to actively show support to LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues?
- Sharing your own pronouns can be a great springboard for education and action when it comes to gender diversity. If you’re comfortable, include your pronouns in your email signature, Teams, and Zoom; this helps other people know how to refer to you. You can also let other people know your pronouns when you introduce yourself. Find a handy video guide to pronouns, including what they are and why they matter on pronouns.org.
- Join our Deakin Pride Network, a member-led network, designed to provide community, social support, and a safe and welcoming space for LGBTIQ+ staff, students and allies. Register via the Microsoft form or email respectbelongthrive@deakin.edu.au.
- Deakin’s Equity and Inclusion division offer training for staff and students to help you learn more and build your skills in how to help foster an inclusive work and study environment for all. For more information and upcoming training offerings, get in touch with us!
- Connect through a DUSA club:
- Deakin Pride; Queer Society (Burwood) is a club for LGBTIQ+, Queer or Questioning students and allies to meet and socialise.
- Deakin Geelong Queer Collective is here to run a safe, inclusive and social group for anyone who identifies as either LGBTQIA+ or an Ally.
IDAHOBIT events
Events will be running throughout the week of IDAHOBIT.
- Attend IDAHOBIT’s Lunch + Learn: LGBTQIA+ Allyship in Today’s World. On Wednesday 14 May 12.30 – 1.15pm, the Minus18 Education Team is hosting this online webinar with real-life strategies for standing up to LGBTQIA+ discrimination in today’s world. Register here to secure your tickets.
- Purchase tickets for QUEER JOY: Stories of delight, defiance and triumph to celebrate IDAHOBIT 2025, a special event presented annually by the Dear Nelly Podcast on Thursday 15 May, 6.45 – 8.45pm at the Wheeler Centre.
- Register to attend the IDAHOBIT Morning Tea with the Victorian Pride Centre on Thursday 15 May, 10.30am – 12pm for a free morning tea to stand together in solidarity, raise awareness, and celebrate vibrant LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Attend an event in your local area. Many local councils across Victoria host or promote flag raising ceremonies, events and activities in celebration of IDAHOBIT and to raise awareness for work still needed to combat discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities. Find your local council here and visit their website for information on IDAHOBIT events. Some events include:
- A Queer-ways queer history walking tour with the City of Yarra
- Safe and Inclusive Spaces Training with Sunbury Cobow Community Health
- A special live show from the Tuck Shop Ladies with the City of Boroondara
Where to get support
Support services at Deakin:
- Deakin offers a range of health and wellbeing support services.
- Harassment Discrimination Contact Officers (HDCOs) are trained staff who assist with enquiries related to discrimination, harassment or bullying.
- Safer Community is a free, confidential support service for those who experience concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour.
- All-gender toilet locations are available on all campuses.
External support services:
- Lifeline 13 11 14 is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- Switchboard Victoria is a community based not for profit organisation that provides peer driven support services for the LGBTIQ+ community, their allies, friends and families.
- QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referrals for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
- queerspace is an LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing support service (operating in the north-west metropolitan region of Victoria) with a focus on relationships, families, parenting and young people.
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