SMLS is concerned about the increased attacks on the rights of LGBTQIA+ people to gather safely and celebrate their lives and identities.
It has been reported that nearly 10 queer events, mostly drag storytime, have been cancelled in the past six months in Melbourne including in the south-east because of security threats from far-right extremist groups.
Many of these events were planned for International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) recently celebrated on 17 May.
IDAHOBIT is a time to celebrate the rich diversity of our community and a time to promote solidarity, equality, and acceptance.
The day is also an important moment to address the ongoing challenges faced by communities across the world and raise awareness that violence and discrimination are unfortunately still prevalent locally, nationally, and globally.
This year’s IDAHOBIT theme was “together always: united in diversity”.
On IDAHOBIT day, SMLS called on the Victorian Government to implement stronger laws and move faster on anti-vilification laws to protect LGBTQIA+ community against attacks and threats of violence. We are also encouraging Victoria Police to commit to ensuring safe spaces for all Victorians.
We stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities across the state who are fighting to hold onto hard-won legal rights. More needs to be done to raise awareness about the violence and discrimination by the LGBTQIA+ community because right now in Australia it has been reported that:
- 68% of LGBTQIA+ employees are not out to everyone at work;
- 2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ youth experience abuse due to their identity;
- 35% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months.
There are also many instances where inequality and discrimination are still protected by the government such as experiencing discrimination by religious organisations and schools.
Other examples include when intersex people experience medical procedures performed on their bodies that modify their sex characteristics without their consent.
There is also the issue that LGBTQIA+ people are not adequately included in the census and other government research which results in less data. Additionally, there are harsh and unnecessary barriers to updating birth certificates, and therefore other legal documents for LGBTQIA+ people.
An up-to-date list of issues that LGBTQIA+ people face in Australia can be found at Equality Australia.
In response to the recent event cancellations, community members have set up the Rainbow Community Angels, a new community-led safety initiative to support LGBTQIA+ people and allies taking part in peaceful actions to support community safety at inclusive such as Drag Storytime.
If you or anyone you know needs help or support, Lifeline is available on 18 11 14. QLife is a LGBTQIA SB+ specific service available on 1800 184 527, or webchat or if you have experienced discrimination on the basis of gender and/or sexuality, please contact us or your local CLC.
The right to celebrate your identity in public is not negotiable- LGBTQIA+ young people and families have a right to hold and attend family-friendly events that reflect the rich diversity of our community.
To find an event that celebrates all people within the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies then visit the Victorian Pride Centre.
