Elsie Lange
Leading up to the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) next month, local businesses are invited to take part in a workshop to create safe spaces for all people.
A free, online session is being held by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) on Thursday, May 7 at 8.30pm as part of a series of events supporting queer communities.
The workshop will help businesses understand the LGBTIQA+ acronym, as well as teach respectful language, useful terminology and why it’s important that local health services like SCCH focus on supporting LGBTIQA+ residents.
IDAHOBIT is celebrated on May 17 to raise awareness of the discrimination LGBTIQA+ people face every day, with an official flag-raising ceremony held at Kyneton Town Hall on Tuedsay, May 27 at 12pm.
Another ceremony will be held at Sunbury Village Green at 12.30pm.
SCCH Building Healthy Communities manager Jeremy Hearne explained that the rainbow flag has been raised in the Macedon Ranges for IDAHOBIT for the past six years.
“This year we are excited to be celebrating this important day in Sunbury too,” Hearne said.
Flags will also be raised at council buildings in Woodend and Gisborne, with all events hosted in conjunction with Hume and Macedon Ranges councils.
Businesses are also being encouraged to show their solidarity and allyship by displaying the rainbow flag on the day – SCCH will provide flags to the first 10 businesses who get in touch.
To participate in the Safe, Welcoming and Affirming Spaces workshop, or to get a flag, contact SCCH’s Health Promotion team on 5421 1666 or email healthpromotion@scch.org.au.
