IDAHOBIT 2023 – What is it? Why support IDAHOBIT?
🏳️🌈 What is IDAHOBIT?
IDAHOBIT, May 17th is the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (Sorry not sorry, Tolkien fans), and is a day marking the importance of support, inclusion and celebration of our LGBTQI community across the globe [i].
May 17 th 2023 marks the 33rd anniversary of homosexuality being declassified as a mental disorder in the ICD-10, and is a day of tolerance celebrated across the globe.
IDAHOBIT is day to reflect on the history of discrimination, hatred and isolation faced by the LGBTQI people across the globe. It is a time to stand against discrimination and hatred in our communities going forward.
Why support IDAHOBIT?
An estimated 11% of people in Australia are part of the LGBTQI community [ii], which means that you may live, know, work or share community with many LGBTQI people. Perhaps, like me, it’s you! LGBTQI people are part of your staff, student cohort, families and wider communities. You may not know who these LGBTQI people are because they don’t feel safe being themselves at school or work. In fact 68% of LGBTQI workers are not out to the people they work with [iii]. Many LGBTQI people feel pressure to stay in the closet in religious affiliated schools [iv] because they fear being fired or expelled [v] because of their gender or sexuality.
You can help change your school community for the better by getting involved in IDAHOBIT day, and showing your solidarity with LGBTQI people throughout the year.
Why do schools celebrate IDAHOBIT?
LGBTQI children and adolescents face more harassment and violence than their peers, with many young people reporting bullying from their school peers, strangers online and most unfortunately from their families. Without support from family or community many young LGBTQI people report higher rates of homelessness [vi], mental health issues and discrimination [vii]. Trans and gender diverse people in particular are at significantly higher risk of suicide and assault [viii].
Teachers, ESOs and school leaders who work to create a safe and welcoming environment for their LGBTQI co-workers and students improve both the working and learning environment in their schools.
There are a number of simple things you can do to show your support on IDAHOBIT:
- Share information about IDAHOBIT to your staff and students.
- Show your pride with a rainbow pin or outfit
- Support students in forming a LGBTQI support club
- Have your school raise some money for a worthy cause that supports LGBTQI youth
- Add your pronouns to your email signature.
- Commit to calling out homophobia, biphobia and transphobia when you see it.
- Take some time to learn about issues affecting the LBGTQI community, especially LGBTQI youth
Members who would like to learn more about how you can support LGBTQI youth can find training on exactly that through our Professional Learning Session on our website – members need to login: SIEU2321 Supporting LGBTQ+ students – IEUSA
Is your school celebrating IDAHOBIT? Do you take action at your site to support LGBTQI students? Please share your stories and pictures of solidarity with LGBTQI students with us!
Email to enquiries@ieusa.org.au
Lou Vodic
Organiser. Pre-service Teacher Coordinator.
[i] https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2022/05/more-than-rainbows-recognising-idahobit-days-dark-history/
[ii] humanrights.gov.au/our-work/education/face-facts-lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-and-intersex-people
[iii] https://www.idahobit.org.au/news/the-history-of-IDAHOBIT-may-17
[iv] news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/two-teachers-reveal-the-sad-reason-they-hide-their-sexuality-at-work/news-story/3af15affc3f74d38557057b5d1a5b2c6
[v] https://www.idahobit.org.au/news/the-history-of-IDAHOBIT-may-17
[vi] https://streetsmartaustralia.org/lgbti-youth-are-more-likely-to-experience-homelessness
[vii] https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-lgbti-people/the-impact-of-discrimination
[viii] https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/statistics
