A number of events are being held across the Macedon Ranges to mark International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) next week.
A flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute on Tuesday May 17 from 12pm featuring guest speakers from Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and from the local community.
“To formally recognise IDAHOBIT in this way sends a clear message to LGBTIQA+ community members that you are seen, you are important and you are celebrated,” says Julie Landy, acting CEO of Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health.
“We invite community members, local businesses and organisations to join us on this important date in the LGBTIQA+ calendar.”
IDAHOBIT is celebrated each year around the world to raise awareness of the discrimination LGBTIQA+ members of our community continue to face and to celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our lives.
As well as raising the rainbow flag, there is a community lunch on Wednesday May 18 at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute and a series of activities being held in conjunction with Goldfields Libraries.
A special storytime for pre-school age children will be held at Gisborne, Romsey, Kyneton and Woodend libraries on May 17 and 25 where performer Em Chandler will share some rainbow families storytelling.
For the next week at Kyneton, Woodend and Gisborne libraires there will be a screening of a series of videos called ‘Meet the Family’ and at Kyneton library you also have the opportunity to create your own rainbow pendant or key ring.
For more information about any of the events, contact the health promotion team on 5421 1666, email healthpromotion@scchc.org.au or go to www.sunburycobaw.org.au/idahobit-celebrations.
