Indigo Shire Throws Support behind IDAHOBIT

Published on 17 May 2021

Indigo Shire Council has again thrown its support behind IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia).

In a small but powerful ceremony on Monday, the rainbow flag was raised, followed by a speech from Mayor Jenny O’Connor and special guest Archer Irving from the North East Pride Collective.

Archer thanked Indigo Shire for its ongoing support in celebrating diversity and said that IDAHOBIT presents an opportunity for global recognition of the challenges LGBTQIA+ people face every day.

“As the level of government closest to the community, Council holds a key role in cultivating an inclusive environment and representatives must represent the people they liase for. The simple act of raising a rainbow flag in front of an institution of local government is a marker of pride on a much larger scale,” Archer said.

Archer’s speech included a moving story about her personal experiences growing up in the North East.

“When I was in Year Nine, I asked a member of staff at my school if I could attend my high school debutante ball with a partner of the same sex. The response I was met with was one of uncertainty and discomfort. It was: “I don’t know.” It was: “Maybe if one of you wears a suit.”

Archer said IDAHOBIT is pride in action and that the support Indigo Shire is showing in flying the flag is bigger than just a single day, a sentiment echoed by Mayor Jenny O’Connor.

Councillor O’Connor acknowledged the importance of celebrating IDAHOBIT, not just every year, but every day of the year.

“We want all members of our community to feel safe and supported and we hope that by doing simple things like today’s event, we’re showing that Indigo Shire is no place for discrimination and hate.”

“We are shining the light on our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment.”

Indigo Shire’s Directory of Community and Economic Development, Mark Florence said he was proud of the steps Indigo Shire Council had taken over the last few years, and in particular, the key role staff members played in supporting the North East Pride Collective in developing the Rainbow Ball.

For more information on the support available for LGBTQIA+ young people in Indigo Shire, please click here.