Monash celebrates IDAHOBIT

Published on 17 May 2022

Monash Council is today celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, known as IDAHOBIT.

IDAHOBIT is a day to celebrate and acknowledge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Plus (LGBTIQA+) people in Monash and beyond, and recognise the struggles the LGBTIQA+ community continue to face.

On IDAHOBIT, people all over the world come together to take a stand against homophobia, biphobia, intersexism and transphobia and raise awareness of the work still needed to support and advocate for LGBTIQA+ communities and reduce discrimination.

Mayor Stuart James said Monash was proud of its ongoing commitment to safe, inclusive practice and service delivery for LGBTIQA+ people.

“We’re proud of our LGBTIQA+ community. We have an important role in working together to celebrate diversity, promote social inclusion and to help address equity, safety and access across council for all people, regardless of sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity,” Cr James said.

“Today we celebrate how far we have come in supporting our LGBTIQA+ community, but we also acknowledge, like many other councils and organisations, how far we have yet to go.

“Council is currently in the process of developing its first ever LGBTIQA+ Action Plan to further improve inclusion, access and equity initiatives in the City of Monash and will present it to the community later this year. We are also extremely excited to be the first Council in Australia to be working towards achieving a Rainbow Tick Accreditation across all our services.”

Today we will be proudly flying the Rainbow Flag at prominent locations across Monash, as well as lighting up the Monash Civic Centre in Glen Waverley, as a symbol of inclusion and solidarity and to show our support to our wonderful and diverse community.

Today, and always, we celebrate our LGBTIQA+ community and commit to doing our bit to ensure that all our residents are safe, included and empowered.

Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or joanne.robertson@monash.vic.gov.au