Rainbow Families SA and Rainbow Families Australia proudly stand in solidarity with Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre, applauding their commitment to inclusion through their planned celebration of IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
It is disheartening to see a centre dedicated to fostering inclusion, safety, and belonging for all children criticised for acknowledging a day that promotes kindness, respect, and understanding.
“Celebrating IDAHOBIT with fairy bread and dress-ups is a beautiful example of early childhood education done right – joyful, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive,” said Jess Cronin, Convenor of Rainbow Families SA.
“Our diverse families are part of every community, and early learning services have a responsibility to ensure every child and family feels seen, safe, and valued. We commend Margaret Ives for doing just that.”
Early learning centres across Australia are encouraged to embed diversity and inclusion into their everyday practices, in line with the National Quality Framework. This framework outlines the importance of creating welcoming, inclusive environments for all families. The Australian Government’s own guidelines affirm that “all children have the right to experience learning environments that are inclusive and equitable.”
Ashley Scott, CEO of Rainbow Families Australia, added: “Children thrive when they feel a sense of belonging. Celebrations like IDAHOBIT send a powerful message that all families – including those with LGBTQ+ parents, carers, or children – are welcome. Our national work shows that inclusion in early childhood lays the foundation for a lifetime of acceptance and understanding.”
Educators have long played a crucial role in challenging discrimination and nurturing empathy. Rainbow Families Australia supports this work through resources like our Early Childhood Resource Hub, which helps services reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
At a time when LGBTQ+ families continue to face marginalisation, we urge all early learning centres to stand proud in their age-appropriate commitment to equity and diversity. We thank the team at Margaret Ives for creating a safe, inclusive, and joyful environment for all children.
