GERBERAS, nail polish, and chalk rainbows helped spread a bit of colour around Warrnambool in the name of a good cause yesterday.
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To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHO Day), staff from Brophy Family & Youth Services and members of YUMCHA (Youth United Making Change against Homophobic Attitudes) took to the street to commit “random acts of rainbow”. The first stop was at “safe and welcome” businesses — which show their support for gay and transgender people via a rainbow sticker — to thank them.
Suzi Walter, who runs Sweezy Emporium, said she was proud to be a part of a “safe and welcome” business.
“It’s just nice to say we’re all the same, we’re all people, and a person is a person,” Ms Walter said.
Brophy Safe in South-West project worker Shane Hernan said IDAHO Day activities had also taken place in Portland and Heywood, plus there had also been a ‘queer-themed’ movie night at Deakin University.
“It’s about creating a more visible environment around sexual diversity,” Hernan said.
YUMCHA member Aliza Willows said it was a day for “seeing that everyone is as common as everyone else”. “It’s very important for me because it goes to show the community is changing,” Willows said. “It’s becoming more of a common thing to walk around in drag like I am and people ask for photos and not yell out ‘faggot’.”
IDAHO Day is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversity and aims to raise awareness about LGBTI rights and issues.