Jennifer Pittorino
IDAHOBIT Day was celebrated at Braybrook Community Hub on Monday, May 15, by raising the Progress Pride Flag at a flag raising ceremony.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) Day is recognised internationally on May 17 each year.
Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock welcomed the many guests with a welcome to country and acknowledgement of the international day.
Mayor Sarah Carter then took to state why IDAHOBIT day is so important for the Maribyrnong community.
“Maribyrnong is a place of safety and vibrancy for queer people,” she said
“Today’s raising of the flag is a small symbol but nonetheless a very important one of our council’s support and commitment to the community, and the work we are doing to enact the LGBTQIA+ strategy and our action plan.”
Cr Carter joined two Braybrook residents, Lucy and Kim, to raise the multi-coloured flag in line with the three other flags hoisted at the community hub, who shouted gleefully as the flag was raised.
“We are here and we are queer, thank you all so much for your support,” they said.
In addition to the flag raising, council celebrates the contributions and achievements of Maribyrnong’s LGBTIQA+ communities.