NSW's leading LGBTQ health organisation, ACON, has provided a range of grants to support community events and initiatives being held across NSW that will mark IDAHOBT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
IDAHOBT (also variously referred to as IDAHO, IDAHOT, IDAHOBIT) takes place every year on 17 May – to mark the day in 1990 homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases. The day aims to raise awareness of the ongoing fight for equality, and the discrimination that many sexuality and gender diverse people throughout the world continue to experience.
The global theme in 2022 is "Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights", which seeks to draw attention to the many challenges still facing LGBTQ+ communities around the world.
In acknowledging the significance of IDAHOBT, ACON has provided support to local community initiatives through a small grants scheme.
Seventeen grants of up to $1000 each were given to community groups and organisations throughout the state, with 14 going towards events in regional NSW, and three in Greater Western Sydney. Among the activities being held are picnics, Indigenous events, themed panel discussions, film festivals, religious celebrations, fashion shows, and other events aiming to foster awareness and celebration of LGBTQ+ diversity. (See next page for a full list of grant recipients)
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says IDAHOBT events always provide a means by which community connection can be fostered and encouraged for sexuality and gender diverse communities in both metropolitan and regional areas.
"With recent studies we've conducted along with our work in Greater Western Sydney and throughout regional NSW, we know that there are still high levels of racism, discrimination, violence, and harassment directed towards our communities. In response, ACON is proud to work with local communities to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ people and bring attention to these important issues via our grants program," Parkhill said.
"As always, the grants committee was pleased to see applications from a variety of emerging and existing LGBTQ+ community groups outside of metro Sydney, as well as established service providers who are all focused on engaging local communities and fostering community leadership and action.
"ACON is proud to work with our partners in celebrating the rich diversity of our vibrant communities in NSW," Parkhill said.
"As we mark and celebrate IDAHOBT, we are given a chance to reflect on the importance of speaking up for equality and inclusion, giving our communities a voice and creating safe spaces where diversity can be embraced and celebrated."
