SCHOOLS, government departments and businesses are helping to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) in Warrnambool.
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While May 17 is the official IDAHOBIT, activities to mark the celebration will continue throughout the week.
Deakin University is holding an awareness and celebration day from 11am on Thursday.
Warrnambool and Brauer colleges have also joined in, holding class discussions in line with IDAHOBIT.
Wannon Water has an inclusion and diversity group while a number of businesses in town are displaying posters promoting IDAHOBIT.
Lyn Eales from Brophy Family and Youth Services in Warrnambool said the progress being made is pleasing.
“The Safe in the South West Project and Yumcha Diversity Group have been working towards celebrating and acknowledging IDAHOBIT across the south-west,” Ms Eales said.
“We are thrilled to have received much support across the community.
“Many businesses and agencies are putting up posters, hosting morning teas and information sessions in regard to inclusive practice and acceptance.”
Ms Eales pointed to a reception at Government House in Melbourne for IDAHOBIT as a sign of how awareness and acceptance is growing in the community.
“IDAHOBIT is a world wide initiative, it is a global conversation,” Ms Eales said.
“This was the first ever IDAHOBIT reception at Government House, it was a great step forward to have 900 members of the LGBTIQ invited along.”
IDAHOBIT is celebrated in 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal.
Bhutan, Brunei, and Vanuatu are this year involved in the celebrations for the first time.
