Campaspe Shire Council invites the community to its collaborative event with Echuca Moama Pride Inc. to honour the 2024 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), observed annually on May 17.
Council and the Echuca Moama Pride will host a community event at Hopwood Gardens in Echuca on Friday, 17 May from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., featuring a flag raising ceremony and speeches.
Louise Arnott, Chairperson, from the Echuca Moama Pride Group, expressed excitement about the event, emphasising its importance as an opportunity for residents to demonstrate solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
"We welcome everyone to Hopwood Gardens to celebrate the spirit of inclusion and acceptance.
"Whether you identify as LGBTIQA+ or as an ally, your presence is valued as we unite against discrimination and promote inclusivity globally, but especially at a local level," Louise said.
In celebration of IDAHOBIT, Council will raise the pride flag in front of its Echuca offices and illuminate its Echuca offices with rainbow colours on the evenings of 16 and 17 May.
Mayor Rob Amos highlighted Council's commitment to fostering equality and respect for all individuals and urged the community to join in reflecting on the challenges faced by the LGBTIQA+ members of our community.
"Recent studies have shown that LGBTIQA+ Victorians face higher levels of discrimination, stigma and exclusion which leads to poorer health, economic, social and mental health outcomes.
Statistics from the state government's Pride in our future: Victoria's LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022–32 show that members of the LGBTIQA+ community face high levels of discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or their ethnicity, cultural identity or heritage. These figures are often higher in regional areas.
"This day serves as a poignant reminder that every person deserves dignity, acceptance and to live in a safe environment.
"Discrimination has no place in our community, and we must continue working together to ensure a society free from persecution and violence," Mayor Amos stated.
