IDAHOBIT 2022
- moranbahrainbowcol
- May 16, 2022
- 3 min read
31 years ago on the 17th May 1990, homosexuality was finally removed from the Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems by the World Health Organisation. Just 31 years ago.
Even more disturbingly, transgender health issues were still classified as behavioural and mental health disorders up until 2019.
In the present day, we are fortunate to acknowledge May 17th as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia.
Also known as IDAHOBIT. The day commemorates the progress that has been made for LGBTQ+ rights but also creates awareness of the work still to be done to create an inclusive environment for all.
As of 2021, 69 countries still criminalised LGBTQ+ activity and identities with several of these countries enforcing the death penalty. The sheer violence, oppression and isolation that LGBTQ+ people experience in these countries is extreme.
We have come along way in Australia but we still have a ways to go with LGBTQ+ people and youth still facing inflated numbers of discrimination, mental health issues and abuse. These experiences lead to a further decline in mental health which has resulted in LGBTQ+ people being one of the highest suicide risks not only in Australia but globally as well.
The most important thing we can do as a community whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are as an ally is to show your support through creating awareness.
Share IDAHOBIT content on your social media
Follow the #IDAHOBIT hashtag and Australia organisations such as Minus18, LGBTIQ+ Health Alliance, Equality Australia, Black Rainbow and BlaQ for content to create digital awareness.
See links at the end of the article.
Display a rainbow token such as a pin, patch, lanyard or sticker
Minus18 are your one-stop shop for all rainbow items plus 100% of the proceeds goes back to Australian LGBTQ+ youth. Don't have any rainbow items? Not a problem! Do an extra colourful make-up look or paint your nails rainbow.
Encourage conversations about LGBTQ+ positive changes you could make in your workplace, clubs or school
An example might be picking people up on their use of language such as saying “that’s so gay” or using slurs to insult someone. This isn't just reserved for in-person conversations either. Language is important across all mediums, don't be afraid to pull people up that use negative language on social media and other platforms.
Host a rainbow get together!
You don't have to plan a huge event just to be involved. Having friends over for dinner, going to a party or hitting the gym, add some rainbows and you are good to go!
Take part in an online LGBTQ+ inclusive workshop
Minus18 provides great online training such as their Introduction to LGBTQ+ inclusion workshop plus they provide training specific to workplaces and schools. Minus18 host a variety of training, information sessions and online youth events throughout the year so be sure to keep up to date with their movements.
Resources:
Minus18 - "changing the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia".
@minus18 on socials
LGBTIQ+ Health Alliance - "the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people".
@LGBTIQHealthAu on socials
Equality Australia - "Our work ensures that LGBTIQ+ people are equal in Australia. We share information and resources to support LGBTIQ+ people. We also use our legal, policy and communications expertise, to ensure that organisations have the right tools to deliver for the LGBTIQ+ community".
@equalityaustralia on socials
Black Rainbow - "Black Rainbow is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBQTI+SB) organisation in the pursuit of positive health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian
LGBQTI+SB*. Originally focusing on suicide prevention, the diversity of our leadership group
has allowed us to expand our horizons.
*Black Rainbow currently uses the following as a descriptor of diverse and proud community. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBQTI+SB). This language is evolving, and we have strived to be as inclusive as possible.
FB: @blackrainbowaustralia IG:@blackrainbowaus
BlaQ - "BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation is committed to empowering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+ community through innovation, inclusion, understanding and advocacy."
@blaqmobs
Thank you for joining us for another issue of the Rainbow Connection. Our articles are published through the 4RFM community magazine and are available via physical print and digital download.
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