Yesterday, (17 May) was IDAHOBIT – International Day Against Homophobia, Biphopbia, Interphobia and Transphobia – an opportunity to take a stand against discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people.
IDAHOBIT is the anniversary of 17 May 1990, when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. The first IDAHOBIT was held in 2005 and is today acknowledged by millions of people globally.
IDAHOBIT has had many names and meanings around the world since 2005 when the day was first acknowledged:
2005 – the day was known as IDAHO, standing for International Day Against Homophobia
2011 – The name was updated to IDAHOT, standing for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
2018 – The name was updated to IDAHOBIT, standing for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia.
2022 – IDAHOBIT grew to be referenced to as the Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination to specifically include those of us who are lesbian, queer and asexual.
Reflecting on the importance of inclusion, safety and belonging in the workplace, Casey O’Brien, Manager, Staff Wellbeing, and member of the Rainbow Subcommittee said, “IDAHOBIT Day reminds us that psychologically safe workplaces are built when every person feels seen, respected and able to bring their whole self to work,” she said.
“The wellbeing of our staff depends on creating environments where LGBTIQ+ people feel safe, included and supported every day – not just today.”
Lisa Shih, Allied Health Assistant – Occupational Therapy, and member of the Rainbow Working Group said, being part of the Rainbow Working Group here at Northern Health has been a great way to contribute to the awareness of our queer colleagues and patients.
“Especially in this current climate where our sheer existence is considered controversial by some, we need to lift up queer and gender diverse voices in public and professional spaces more than ever,” Lisa said.
Max Lynch, Program Manager, Craigieburn and Mernda Community Mental Health, reflected on the past six decades, and felt proud on how far Australia – and our communities, had come.
“While terms like IDAHOBIT and LGBTQI+ may seem like acronyms and tongue twisters, they carry deep meaning – representing history, oppression, bravery, identity, resilience, and progress,” Max said.
“They remind us to move beyond tolerance, towards acceptance, genuine respect, inclusion, and to embrace difference. IDAHOBIT acknowledges the harm experienced in the past and the shared responsibility to create safe, inclusive, and affirming environments for all.”
“IDAHOBIT is not just about awareness – it is about action and continuing to build a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.”
To celebrate IDAHOBIT, Northern Health had brightly colourful displays across campuses. Staff also attended a special presentation by guest speaker Maria Kairouz – an LGBTQ identifying psychotherapist who combines her lived experience and professional expertise to her work with individuals, couples and communities to navigate the often complex terrain or trauma, identify and healing.