Encouraging recognition of human rights and equality for LGBTQI individuals

ACON is bringing communities and people together to tackle prejudice as part of a range of activities it is supporting to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT)

IDAHOT takes place every year in May, the day in 1990 that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases. Celebrated in over 130 countries, IDAHOT aims to unite millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

ACON is supporting organisations throughout NSW for IDAHOT through the provision of a small grants scheme that aims to focus attention on the impact that homophobia, transphobia and biphobia have on the health and wellbeing of young people. In its third year of providing support, the $500 IDAHOT grants include activities from Byron Bay to Bega, and Wagga Wagga to Tamworth, and will help promote the message that young LGBTI people need to be protected from prejudice, harassment, violence and discrimination.

Other featured events include the annual Pride in Diversity awards luncheon, which celebrates workplace inclusion in the corporate, small business and not-for-profit sectors and recognises organisations making Australian workplaces more supportive of LGBTI employees.

Working with Parramatta City Council, NSW Police Force and PFLAG, ACON will be joining food trucks, markets stalls and police vehicles to promote IDAHOT in  Parramatta’s Centenary Square

“Despite significant progress made over recent years in fostering a more inclusive society here in Australia, many LGBTI Australians continue to be targets of homophobic and transphobic behaviour,” says ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill.

“Indeed, just because of their sexuality or gender identity, many Australians are separated from family and friends, harassed in their workplace or on the sporting field, abused by their neighbours or assaulted on the street. This is why IDAHOT has been capturing the interest of more and more people right across NSW.”

“On an encouraging note, the recently launched Safe Schools Coalition program is an excellent example of government support and acknowledgement of these issues, and a program that is making a real difference for LGBTIQ young people.”

Another initiative is the new Sports Equality Index which the Pride in Diversity program will develop on behalf of the Human Rights Commission and Australian Sports Commission. It will seek to highlight best practices in LGBTI inclusion in sporting organisations and hopefully lead to better support for gay and lesbian athletes throughout Australia.