Former AFL footballer and coach Danielle Laidley will be the keynote speaker as the City of Greater Geelong marks IDAHOBIT.
Celebrated every year on 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia AKA IDAHOBIT marks the day the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its classification of diseases and related health problems.
Dedicated to building LGBTQIA+ inclusion and fighting discrimination, with allies and LGBTQIA+ folks who must stand together to create lasting change, May 17 is celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
This year Geelong will be celebrating with an event featuring former AFL footballer and coach Danielle Laidley as the keynote speaker.
In addition to partnering with WorkSafe, Wellways, TAC, Victoria Police, Drummond Street Services, and Geelong Rainbow Inc. to present the event, 2023 has seen the City of Greater Geelong also welcome partners in Geelong Cats Football Club and Nicholes Family Lawyers.
The author of the memoir ‘Don’t Look Away’, Danielle Laidley tells the story of being diagnosed with gender dysphoria and how she became an advocate for transgender people, raising awareness in a quest for acceptance of diversity.
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“This day is an important step in showing support for members of the LGBTIQA+ community,” says Mayor Trent Sullivan.
“There is no place in our community for any form of discrimination and that includes discrimination based on gender or sexuality. It’s vital that everyone feels they have a voice and are free to express themselves as valued members of our community.
“I have no doubt hearing Dani Laidley’s story will open people’s eyes to the challenges that members of the LGBTIQA+ community face, while also providing a source of inspiration.”
This event follows on from last year where the City of Greater Geelong held a sold-out discussion panel with the theme ‘Success, Courage, Pride and Overcoming Adversity’. Geelong very own stylist Deni Todorovic AKA ‘Style By Deni’ was a guest speaker alongside panelists from Geelong organisations as who shared their stories of success, courage, pride and overcoming adversity.
“There is still much work to be done to rid the community of discrimination based on gender and sexuality,” adds Councillor Anthony Aitken – Chair of the Inclusion and Care portfolio.
“While society has come a long way, it’s important that members of the LGBTIQA+ community continue to see real signs of change.
“Hosting events of this kind, and hearing guests speak of their real-life experiences, will play an important role in helping residents across the broader community understand the challenges that still exist.
“Every member of the community has a role to play in promoting equality and visibility, education and understanding.”
By going rainbow for IDAHOBIT, you can lead change, build LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and advocate for schools, workplaces and communities where LGBTQIA+ people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them.
The event links for tickets and the live stream will be made available to the public closer to the date.
Find out more here.
