Reflecting and Learning on IDAHOBIT

To mark IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, our staff came together to learn, explore the significance of the day and deepen our understanding of the barriers LGBTQIA+ people continue to face, and how we can foster inclusion.

IDAHOBIT is observed annually on 17 May, a date that marks a significant moment in history when the World Health Organization removed homesexuality from its Classification of Diseases in 1990.

We had the opportunity to hear from Varo (they/them), a queer, non-binary leader in health and social policy, and the current CEO of the SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance (SARAA).

Varo spoke about how LGBTQIA+ people fare in South Australia, including one in two reporting they have experienced unfair treatment, and only two in five feeling fully accepted when accessing health or support services. This has resulted in 83% of the community experiencing suicidal ideation in their lifetime.

LGBTQIA+ people are also more likely to report verbal, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness.

Varo emphasised the important message that LGBTQIA+ people can live happy, healthy and safe lives when they are affirmed and supported by friends, families, communities, services, systems and governments.

There are also simple ways to show support to the LGBTQIA+ community:

• Listen and learn
• Make inclusive practice standard
• Challenge hate
• Show your pride

For more information about IDAHOBIT: https://www.idahobit.org.au/

For more information about the SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance: https://www.saraa.org.au/