Supporting Inclusion and Diversity on IDAHOBIT
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Published on 17 May 2019
Baw Baw Shire Council supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community for IDAHOBIT.
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia) is held annually on 17 May to champion inclusion and build a better world for the LGBTIQ community.
In Australia:
75 per cent of LGBTIQ youth experience some form of discrimination. 61 per cent of LGBTIQ youth experience verbal abuse. 19 per cent of LGBTIQ youth experience physical bullying. 24.4 per cent of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual people experience depression. 36.2 per cent of Trans Australians experience depression.Baw Baw Shire Council recently endorsed sponsorship funding for the Gippsland Pride Initiative to run a series of local events to build and promote a more inclusive and welcoming experience for the LGBTQI community. The events focus on tackling barriers to inclusion through awareness, education, engagement and participation.
The first event, the Community Pride Forum, took place earlier this week on Wednesday at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. This was an open-door forum to discuss local issues, raise practical awareness, share personal stories and build on a commitment for a more inclusive Gippsland.
On Saturday 15 June, Council is also supporting the first ever Gippsland Pride Cup Roller Derby at Lardner Park. This is a night for local businesses, organisations and community members to demonstrate collective support of the LGBTIQ community. Later in the evening, the inaugural Gippsland Pride Gala will take place to celebrate the LGBTIQ community and loved ones.
To find out more about the upcoming Gippsland Pride Initiative events in Baw Baw, go to www.gippslandprideinitiative.com
For more information about IDAHOBIT, go to www.idahobit.org.au
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Mikaela Power"IDAHOBIT is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our support for diversity and inclusion throughout our community. Baw Baw Shire Council is proud to stand with the LGBTIQ community.”
Quotes attributable to Cr Michael Leaney“As a Council we represent, support and celebrate all aspects of community life and that includes the LGBTIQ community. This group experiences poorer health outcomes, higher rates of depression and reduced social engagement due to actual or feared prejudice. As a member of this community, I stand with our LGBTIQ mates and allies and encourage everyone to speak up if you encounter any homophobic, transphobic, or biphobic language and behaviour.”
Quotes attributable to CEO Alison Leighton“Within our workplace we’re focused on creating a culture where everyone feels safe, welcome and included. We’re proud to support IDAHOBIT and stand to stamp out discrimination of any kind, both here within our organisation and out in our broader community.”
Images: Celebrating diversity and inclusion at Wednesday’s Gippsland Pride Forum at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.