International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is celebrated globally each year on 17 May.
It is an important occasion to celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities and raise awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.
Discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people is unfortunately still common. The Pride in our Future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Strategy 2022-32 states 58 per cent of LGBTIQ+ Victorians faced unfair treatment based on sexual orientation in the previous 12 months.
The rainbow pride flag is flown outside the Camberwell Civic Centre on IDAHOBIT Day to demonstrate our commitment to creating a community that embraces inclusiveness and equality for all groups, regardless of their cultural backgrounds, sexuality and gender.
Stories of LGBTIQ+ community members
Gina Lambropoulos
Gina Lambropoulos (she/her) is a Melbourne-based screenwriter, film reviewer and story developer. She's also a very proud mum to an adorable toddler.
Kieran McGregor
Kieran (he/him) has worked as a social worker for 20 years, mainly in health and aged care. He enjoys living in Boroondara for the wonderful restaurants and cafes.
Jax Jacki Brown
Jax (they/them) is a disability and LGBTIQA+ rights activist, writer and educator. Jax is interested in how we can build resilience, pride and community for LGBTIQA+ people and people with disabilities.
Michael Tian
Michael (he/him) is a recent international graduate and has been working in the university and youth space for two years, mainly advocating for international students and LGBTQI cohorts. He likes living a peaceful life in Boroondara with his cat.
Events
We’re hosting events and activities throughout the week.
Skittles Program
Open to young people aged 13 to 18 that identify from the LGBQTIA+ community, this support group will run term 2 and 4 for a fun, relaxed and supportive group which will include activities, workshops and group discussion.
For more information including how to join, see our Join a youth program page.
Rainbow Storytime sessions
As part of IDAHOBIT week, our usual Storytime sessions at the Kew, Ashburton and Camberwell Libraries will be reading stories that celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities and characters.
These sessions will take place on the following days:
- Rainbow Storytime, 11am to 11:45am, Monday 16 May, Kew Library
- Rainbow Storytime, 11am to 11:45am, Thursday 19 May, Ashburton Library
- Rainbow Storytime, 11am to 11:45am, Friday 20 May, Camberwell Library
Storytime – Camberwell
Fri 15 December 2023
Storytime – Ashburton
Thu 14 December 2023
Storytime – Kew
Mon 5 December 2022
More information
For LGBTIQ+ resources and support services, visit our LGBTIQ+ page.
For more information about these events, please email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4898.