United: Benalla's Civic Centre currently features the LQBTQIA+ flag to mark IDAHOBIT 2022.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Tuesday, May 17, was International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, better known as IDAHOBIT.
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Benalla Rural City Council hosted a flag-raising for community members outside the civic centre on Mair St.
Mayor Bernie Hearn kicked off proceedings, talking to the gathered audience about IDAHOBIT, its history and what it means to communities across the world.
It was attended by a range of community members as well as Benalla police, council staff, local students and many more.
Students from Benalla’s Flexible Learning Centre operated their coffee van at the event.
The date of IDAHOBIT is significant as it coincides with the day homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
This is the fourth year Benalla Rural City Council has raised the Pride flag on IDAHOBIT.
Symbolic: Mayor Bernie Hearn and Benalla P-12 College student E raise the Pride flag on IDAHOBIT 2022
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Year 11 Benalla P-12 College student E gave a speech to the crowd about the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people, specifically in a small town like Benalla
“I’m a queer person who lives here in Benalla. I’m grateful to be here today to talk about IDAHOBIT and the importance behind it,” E said.
“Thirty-two years ago, being gay was classified as a disorder, a disease, something to be cured, avoided.
“Some of you here were alive at this time. It really wasn’t so long ago.
“Even more recently, same-sex marriage was legalised here in Australia, in December of 2017.
“Less than five years ago. Less than five years ago, marriage was limited to be between those legally male and those legally female.
“I stress how recently this all was because I want to put focus on current issues with homophobia and transphobia.
Community: A flag-raising ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 17, to mark IDAHOBIT in Benalla.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“Despite many people preferring to live under a delusion that these are no longer issues, this is not the case.
“Anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination is still an awful problem in Australia and beyond.
“Benalla is just as bad as anywhere else, just as unwelcoming for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“This brings me to my last statement, which, simply is ‘start with Benalla’.
“When your friends or family make phobic jokes, or use gay as an insult, call them out and correct them.
“Let them know that you’re not okay with that kind of behaviour ... If you see a fellow student or employee being discriminated against, stick up for them.
“Together, we can make a difference.”
Australian statistics from idahobit.org.au show that 75 per cent of LGBTQIA+ youth experience some form of discrimination and 39 per cent of LGBTQIA+ people have experienced depression in recent months (compared to 6.2 per cent of the general population.)
The North East Pride Collective will be holding the 2022 Rainbow Ball at Benalla Town Hall on Saturday, June 25.
The ball is a celebration for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 14 to 25 and their friends.
Tickets will be on sale soon. Keep an eye out in the pages of the Ensign and on www.benallaensign.com.au for details.
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