Rainbow flag flies high to mark IDAHOBIT

Strathbogie Shire Council will fly the rainbow flag on Friday, May 17 to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

May 17 marks the anniversary in 1990 of the World Health Organisation removing homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.

Recognised globally since 2005, IDAHOBIT celebrates the international advancement in LGBTQIA+ equality while raising awareness of the need for continued progress against discrimination.

In Australia, 2 in 3 young LGBTQIA+ people have experienced harassment or abuse due to their identity and 35 per cent of LGBTQIA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months.

Strathbogie Shire Council Administrator Peter Stephenson said flying the flag for IDAHOBIT was an important way to raise awareness of the need for continued progress against discrimination.

“It’s been 20 years since IDAHOBIT started and LGBTQIA+ people still experience disproportionate rates of bullying, harassment and discrimination,” Mr Stephenson said.

“Everybody deserves to feel safe to be themselves in the community, at school and at work. There is still more work to be done and Councils have an opportunity to raise awareness and making a difference through days like IDAHOBIT.

“Flying the rainbow flag on IDAHOBIT shows we support and value LGBTIQA+ people and that we are committed to supporting the creation of a fair, safe and inclusive community.”

In 2023 Council adopted a Flag Flying Policy which enabled the use of flagpoles at the intersection of Binney and Brock Streets in Euroa and at 325 High St, Nagambie for flying community flags.

The policy includes a number of recognised occasions throughout the year including IDAHOBIT and means the rainbow flag will be flown on May 17 each year. Other recognised occasions in the policy include Harmony Week, World Refugee Day, United Nations Day and the International Day of Tolerance.

Strathbogie Shire residents and community groups can also apply to Council to fly community flags on other occasions during the year. Strathbogie Shire Council’s Flag Flying Policy, criteria and request form is available at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/flags

For more information about IDAHOBIT and ways you can show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community, visit www.idahobit.org.au