Council and the Echuca Moama Pride will host a community event at Hopwood Gardens in Echuca on Friday, May 17 from 10.30am to 11.30am, featuring a flag-raising ceremony and speeches.
Echuca Moama Pride chairperson Louise Arnott expressed excitement about the event, emphasising its importance as an opportunity for residents to demonstrate solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We welcome everyone to Hopwood Gardens to celebrate the spirit of inclusion and acceptance,” Ms Arnott said.
“Whether you identify as LGBTIQA+ or as an ally, your presence is valued as we unite against discrimination and promote inclusivity globally, especially at a local level.”
In celebration of IDAHOBIT Day, the council will raise the pride flag in front of its Echuca offices and illuminate the offices with rainbow colours on the evenings of May 16 and 17.
Mayor Rob Amos highlighted the council’s commitment to fostering equality and respect for all individuals and urged the community to reflect on the challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ community members.
“Recent studies have shown that LGBTIQA+ Victorians face higher levels of discrimination, stigma and exclusion which leads to poorer health, economic, social and mental health outcomes,” Cr Amos said.
Statistics from the Victorian Government’s Pride in our Future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy 2022–32 show that members of the LGBTIQA+ community face high levels of discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or their ethnicity, cultural identity or heritage.
These figures are often higher in regional areas.
“This day serves as a poignant reminder that every person deserves dignity, acceptance and to live in a safe environment,” Cr Amos said.
“Discrimination has no place in our community, and we must continue working together to ensure a society free from persecution and violence.”
