Saturday 17 May is IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.This is a day when millions of people around the world take a stand against LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual) discrimination.
Celebrating IDAHOBIT is a great way to show your support for our LGBTIQA+ community. It’s an important day to acknowledge because 2 in 3 young LGBTIQA+ people experience abuse due to their identity.
Other issues faced by LGBTIQA+ people in Australia include:
- Intersex infants still face invasive, cosmetic medical procedures across most of the country.
- “Conversion practices” are still legal in some states.
- Religious exemptions allow discrimination in certain schools and workplaces.
More information about the experiences of LGBTIQA+ people can be found on the Equality Australia website.
Free support for students
Whether you’re an LGBTIQA+ student in need of support or an ally looking to help a friend, La Trobe University’s Wellbeing Services feature a range of tailored services, including:
- Our LGBTIQA+ Counselling service, including dedicated Queer Counsellors
- Student Wellbeing Connect – a service tailored to a range of diverse groups (including LGBTIQA+ students) that helps connect you with relevant support services
- Finding Pride – a 7-week online group program for students run by LGBTIQA+ people, for LGBTIQA+ people
We also encourage you to confidentially report concerning or inappropriate behaviour (including discrimination, vilification and harassment) to Safer Community.
How to show up as an ally
Here are some practical ways you can support our LGBTIQA+ community this IDAHOBIT:
- Attend La Trobe’s ALLY Training: Learn how to create a more diverse and inclusive culture for LGBTIQA+ students and staff in this tailored training session.
- Wear rainbow: Signal your stance against LGBTIQA+ discrimination by wearing a rainbow ribbon, lanyard or pronoun badge, even if you’re not part of the LGBTIQA+ community.
- Decorate your spaces: Hang rainbow or educational posters in your classroom, office, meeting room or office kitchen. Free posters and digital downloads can be found through IDAHOBIT, Zoe Belle Gender Collective and Minus 18.
- Keep up to date with ARCSHS: Sign up to La Trobe’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) mailing list to keep up to date with the Australian leader in research on sex and sexuality.
External support options
It’s okay to need extra support when you’re having a tough time. The below resources might be helpful for you:
- QLife: 1800 184 527. Available 3pm–midnight, 7 days a week. Anonymous and free support for LGBTIQA+ people and their loved ones.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14. 24/7 national helpline for crisis support.
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636. The Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 for brief counselling.
- Headspace: 1800 650 890. Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services for 12–25 year olds.
- Yarning SafeNStrong (VAHS): 1800 959 563. VAHS have established a free and confidential counselling service, as well as culturally safe and accessible support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC): 1300 292 153. VEOHRC provides support and advice for individuals who have experienced discrimination, harassment or racism (Victoria only).