A JOYOUS celebration of the LGBTIQA+ community occurred in Leongatha on Wednesday as members of the public, councillors and council staff marked IDAHOBIT, albeit a couple of days early.
Deputy Mayor Sarah Gilligan explained the origins of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, noting it marks the anniversary of when homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organisation’s list of psychiatric diseases on May 17, 1990.
While acknowledging much progress has occurred in the 35 years since, in terms of improving “acceptance, support and the visibility of those in the queer community” Cr Gilligan stressed there is still much work to be done on the road to equality.
“Events such as this shine a light on discrimination still faced by some in our community and invite us to do better every day to make everyone feel included,” she told those gathered for the raising of the Philadelphia Pride flag.
The design of that flag, which features a black and a brown stripe in addition to the traditional rainbow colours, was commissioned by the Philadelphia City Council to incorporate queer communities of colour.
During her speech, Cr Gilligan reflected on the marriage equality debate in Australia, saying she couldn’t at the time marry her partner of 25 years, noting she wanted the right to do so whether the couple chose to or not.
She commented that as a member of the queer community, she wants to be celebrated, not just accepted.
“In 2025, we should be moving forward celebrating diversity as an important part of our community,” Cr Gilligan said.
Referring to a Gippsland study that revealed only 14 per cent of respondents believe leaders in the community listen to the concerns of LGBTQIA+ people or are doing enough to support them, she acknowledged that as a leader, she needs to be more visible.
“The longer I’m in a leadership position, the more important I can see it is for me to be visible as a queer woman,” Cr Gilligan told the Sentinel-Times, having thanked all those in attendance as she raised the flag and encouraged people to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.