Community members wishing to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) can receive a helping hand from Surf Coast Shire Council, which is offering grants to increase awareness of the day.
Grants of up to $1000 are available to support community events and initiatives that celebrate inclusion and spread the message against LGBTQIA+ discrimination. Funding can be used for activities held within the Surf Coast Shire.
Councillor Rose Hodge encouraged local workplaces, schools, community groups and community houses to consider applying for the grants so they can "go rainbow" for IDAHOBIT 2022.
"We love when the community takes the lead on raising awareness of important events," Cr Hodge said.
"It would be fantastic to see as many projects as possible this year that ooze pride and help build a more inclusive community."
Grants can go towards a range of events and ideas, such as luncheons, workshops, training or celebrations.
"Sourcing funds can often be a hurdle when it comes to putting on activities like this, so we wanted to make it easier with these quick-turnaround grants," Cr Kate Gazzard said.
"We also want the Surf Coast to be a place where everyone feels welcome and everyone feels protected. The more IDAHOBIT events there are, the more people will feel like this is a place where we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community."
Grants of up to $1000 are available. Applications are open until 10 April, for activities to run between 1 May and 17 June. For guidelines and to apply, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IDAHOBIT.
Community members are welcome to attend a rainbow flag-raising ceremony on Monday 2 May at 2.30pm in front of Council office – 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay. The rainbow flag will fly for the month of May to celebrate IDAHOBIT.
