Flying the flag for LGBTQIA+ people in Baw Baw Shire

Baw Baw Shire community members are invited to join Council and millions across the world in recognising the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) today, 17 May.  

Every year on the 17 May, people across the world recognise IDAHOBIT, acknowledging the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of diseases and related health issues.  

In solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community and in support of inclusivity and diversity, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Annemarie McCabe and Michael Leaney, raised the pride flag high at Drouin Civic Centre this morning.  

“Baw Baw Shire Council is proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ community, our friends, neighbours and family members,” says Mayor Annemarie McCabe. 

“Everyone in our community deserves to feel seen and valued and we all play a role in promoting inclusiveness and diversity within our Shire”. 

By recognising IDAHOBIT annually, Council celebrates the significant milestones that have been achieved, but also acknowledges the ongoing efforts still required to address discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people around the world. 

“LGBTIQIA+ people here and around the world encounter homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic discrimination in their day to day lives. In Australia today, 35% of LGBTIQIA+ people have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months. With this discrimination comes a greater demand to feel recognised and valued amongst their peers, workplaces and communities", says Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney. 

“As a proud member of the LGBTIQIA+ community, I stand with them this IDAHOBIT and everyday as we work towards improving as a society.”  

Across the organisation, Baw Baw Shire Council has been actively delivering initiatives to support a more diverse and inclusive workplace, including most recently incorporating Gender Affirmation Leave into our adopted EBA, supporting community led events which promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion and implementing and actioning a Gender Equality Action Plan throughout our policies and strategies.  

Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney, CEO Mark Dupe and Mayor Annemarie McCabe at the flag raising ceremony at Drouin Civic Centre this morning. 

Staff and Councillors at the flag raising ceremony at Drouin Civic Centre this morning. 

Mayor Annemarie McCabe and Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney at the flag raising ceremony at Drouin Civic Centre this morning.