Standing Against Discrimination for IDAHOBIT Day at Tweddle

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

This IDAHOBIT Day, Tweddle is reminded of our commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of babies, toddlers and their families by promoting equality and human rights and making a stand against discrimination.

IDAHOBIT stands for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia.  Minority sexuality and gender identities, and people who are intersex, can face negative attitudes, stereotypes and prejudices that lead to discrimination, exclusion, harassment, and violence.  

The Origins of IDAHOBIT Day

33 years ago on May 17, 1990, the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) celebrates LGBTQIA+ people globally, and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.

Tweddle’s Commitment to Equity

LGBTIQ+ people have the highest rates of both suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in Australia; fifteen per cent of lesbian, gay and bisexual people report current suicidal thoughts, and same sex attracted Australians have up to fourteen times higher rates of suicide attempts.1

We are working towards our Rainbow Tick accreditation and a safe, inclusive and affirmative experience for LGBTQI+ clients and staff at all times.

We encourage and invite the consumer voice of LGBTQI+ parents and carers to help shape our programs for all families.

Being an Ally

An ally is someone who takes action to support and advocate for the equal treatment of a community other than their own – especially when it’s challenging or uncomfortable to do so.  If you don’t experience LGBTQIA+ discrimination yourself, then you’re in a unique and powerful position to use your voice to create a safe and welcoming environment for others who do. Here are some tips on how you can be an ally. 

Donate to Minus18 where 100% of funds raised go to programs that support LGBTQIA+ Australians: https://www.idahobit.org.au/index.php/donate 

Watch the following  International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) – YouTube video by Monash University.

Do you identify somewhere under the LGBTQI+ umbrella and have a passion for inclusive and safe family services?

Here at Tweddle we are on a mission to figure out how we can better support LGBTQI+ families’ access and engagement with early parenting services in the West, but we can’t do it alone.

We invite the voices of ‘rainbow’ families who identify under the LGBTQI+ umbrella for meaningful, inclusive and culturally safe participation.

There are lots of ways people can participate, from being part of a one-off individual or group consultation session.

If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.  Please fill out the online form and we’ll get back to you with more details. Feel free to also share with your communities.

Questions? Contact Manager Quality on (03) 9689 1577 or email Linda Harrison.