UPDATE: The LGBTI Pride Celebration event on May 17 has been moved from May Park to Up Tempo Cafe at 6 Dimboola Road due to bad weather.
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HORSHAM’s community organisations are gearing up for IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Wimmera Health Care Group and Wimmera Uniting Care have teamed up with the Wimmera Pride Project to host an LGBTI Pride Celebration in May Park to mark IDAHOBIT.
The celebration will run from 10-11am on May 17.
Wimmera Pride Project co-founder Maddi Ostapiw said she was excited the two organisations wanted to host an event to show their support.
“IDAHOBIT is to basically address the stigma against LGBTI people in the community. It’s an international day when LGBTI communities can get together and celebrate what it means to be us,” she said.
“Horsham Rural City Council And Horsham Police have also jumped on board and all four organisations will have someone speak at the IDAHOT Pride Celebration.”
Wimmera UnitingCare chief executive Wendy Sturgess said it was critical that the region’s businesses and services supported events such as this.
“Our rural LGBTI community are unique and face different challenges to their city counterparts,” she said.
“Participation in events like this shows we are not only welcoming and inclusive of people who identify as LGBTI, but that we are there if they need us.”
Wimmera Health Care Group acting chief executive Mark Knights said as a large employer and a major health care provider, it was vital LGBTI people felt safe and respected at the organisation.
“We want to show our support because it is vital LGBTI people, whether they are staff, patients or visitors, know they are respected and safe,” Mr Knights said.
“Through our Diversity Plan and Community Diversity Committee we are doing a lot of work to make sure everything is being done to ensure LGTBI people feel valued, respected and safe.
“We are also encouraging other businesses and people to attend the celebrations and show their support.”