On 17 May 2024, Council will observe International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, also known as IDAHOBIT Day.
17 May marks the date in 1990 that homosexuality was removed from the WHO Classification of Diseases. Over two decades later, LGBTQIA+ communities still face discrimination.
This globally recognised day celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender (LGBTQIA+) diversity and raises awareness about the discrimination these communities face.
Council will fly the Rainbow Pride flag outside its Corporate Headquarters and Service Centres in Moe, Traralgon and Churchill to show support and signify that discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or violence against any member of the LGBTQIA+ community will not be tolerated in Latrobe City.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said that Council is committed to fostering a culture that welcomes, celebrates, and includes all individuals and is proud to celebrate community diversity.
“Latrobe City is home to a diverse community. The health and wellbeing, rights and social needs of this community is a key Council priority, as outlined in our Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan – Living Well Latrobe (2022-2025),” said the Mayor.
“It’s our duty to nurture our LGBTQIA+ community through building an inclusive and supportive environment for all residents to feel welcome and thrive in. We want Latrobe City to be a place where everyone feels safe, accepted, and celebrated for who they are.”
Council is currently undertaking the Rainbow Ready roadmap which is a set of resources for Victorian rural and regional communities to build LGBTQIA+ inclusion. This will be delivered across Service Centres, Libraries, Leisure Centres, the Latrobe Regional Gallery, and the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.
Chief Executive Officer of Latrobe City Council, Steven Piasente, said the roadmap will address discrimination, improve access to Council services and events and facilitate ongoing support.
“We recognise that building an inclusive community is a continuing commitment. The Rainbow Ready Roadmap will help Council to identify progress in the equality space and identify what can be done to increase inclusion at Council facilities now and into the future,” said the CEO.
