THE community will gather out the front of the Greater Hamilton Library this afternoon to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in an event organised by the Southern Grampians Shire Council.

IDAHOBIT Day celebrates LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) people globally and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.

It’s an important day to grow visibility, educate on inclusion, and activate change to support our LGBTQIA+ communities.

Held on May 17, the date marks the anniversary of the World Health Organisation removing homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems in 1990.

Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, Cr Bruach Colliton said it was important to celebrate the day to show locals that we live in an “inclusive and supportive community”.

“Council is proud to stand together with the LGBTQIA+ community to show support by helping to educate community members on being an inclusive community and a good ally,” he said.

“Discrimination such as homophobia and transphobia still exists in our communities and it significantly impacts people’s mental health, particularly young people.

“Council have a renewed focus on youth as part of the Council Plan, and one of our aims is to provide opportunities for connectivity and inclusion for young people.”

Cr Colliton said Council was committed to strengthening community connectedness through celebrating diversity, with the LGBTQIA+ support group being one method of achieving this.

“Our staff have worked closely with Brophy and Wellways to establish YUMCHA (Youth United Making Change Against Homophobic Attitudes), a social support group for young LGBTQIA+ people and friends aged 12-25,” he said.

“Council are pleased to support this group and to be able to provide a safe and inclusive space for our young LGBTQIA+ community”.

To support the local LGBTQIA+ community, Council is inviting residents to share stories under the rainbow flag (pictured) which will be flying high in front of the Greater Hamilton Library.

By flying the rainbow flag, Council aims to acknowledge and celebrate LGBTQIA+ people within our community, and publicly stand up against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.

Council’s celebration will run from 3:30-5:30pm today, where community members can make connections, share stories, have food, and make pronoun badges.

“We invite everyone to come along to show their support for our LGBTQIA+ community,” Cr Colliton said.

No RSVPs are required, with residents encouraged to come along to a welcome and open space to learn more.

For more information on IDAHOBIT Day, visit idahobit.org.au/.