IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and to show support to the LGBTQIA community the rainbow flag now flies alongside the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island ensigns.
At a flag-raising ceremony on Friday, Mayor Scott Upston opened proceedings by welcoming the crowd to the ‘‘first IDAHOBIT pride flag raising event to be held in Benalla Rural City’’.
‘‘It is a great honour to welcome you all here to celebrate,’’ Cr Upston said.
‘‘IDAHOBIT was established in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.
‘‘It’s held annually to commemorate the day that homosexuality was removed from the international classification of diseases of the World Health Organisation.
‘‘Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex, LGBTQIA people in Australia still experience discrimination, harassment and hostility in many parts of their everyday life — in public, at work, at school and in the wider community.
‘‘It was only in 1997 that all states in Australia finally repealed anti-homosexuality laws.
‘‘Equality and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights that belong to all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or because they are intersex.’’
Statistics show that the LGBTQIA community face mental health issues,verbal and physical abuse at a higher rate than the rest of Australia.
•Sixty-one per cent of LGBTQIA young people report experiencing verbal homophobic behaviour or abuse;
•Eighteen per cent report physical homophobic abuse;
•Sixty-nine per cent report other types of homophobic (behaviour) including exclusion and rumours;
•LGBTQIA young people aged 16-27 are five times more likely to attempt suicide; and
•Transgender people aged 18 or over are nearly 11 times more likely to attempt suicide.
“Most of us have seen and heard, at home or elsewhere, people demonstrating their intolerance of people with a perceived different sexual orientation or gender identity,” Cr Upston said.
“This is usually hidden, ignored and brushed aside by our society. We as a community can stop discrimination and harassment by using these simple strategies.
“Challenge those who make slurs, jokes or other comments. Who do things that demean or attack people on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Use inclusive language that does not assume all people are the same. For example, inviting partners to social events as opposed to husbands and wives.
“Show support for those people who decide to come out. Be an ally by taking steps to visibly support the LGBTQIA community and their rights.
“Allies can play a critical role in supporting and even preventing harassment and discrimination.
“Together we are taking action … to be a more inclusive place to live.”
Several other guest speakers took to the podium to discuss their experiences being part of the LGBTQIA community – and were warmly welcomed by those in attendance.
Cr Upston then invited several of the younger people in attendance to assist in raising the rainbow flag.