Ways to Celebrate IDAHOBIT.

On May 17 every year marks International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia or IDAHOBIT for short. Whilst is an opportunity to celebrate all the achievements and milestones in LGBTQIA+ rights and equality, its also an important time to raise awareness, create visibility and break down the barriers that still exist for queer people in our community.

So you want to do something for IDAHOBIT but not sure where to start? well lucky for you we have put together a list of things you can do this IDAHOBIT. This list is made for school but can be applied to workplaces and community spaces as well.

Create Visibility

Creating Visibility is highlighting LGBTQIA+ Identities, listening to stories, making sure that you see and hear queer people and raise their voices.

  • Make a playlist of songs by queer musicians and play on a speaker at lunch time.

  • Have a mini Queer Film Festival at Lunch or during classes, we have found some great short films and put them together here

  • Feature LGBTQIA+ history in class activities, Like our local historical queer icons ‘Lady Squatters’ Caroline Newcomb and Anne Drysdale (yep they have suburbs named after them)

  • Feature Queer books and media in the school library or assign a queer book for Book Club.

  • Raise the Pride Progress Flag

  • Put up Posters that showcase different LGBTQIA+ Identities.

Share Knowledge

By sharing knowledge we break down the barriers that exist that harm Queer folk and build understanding and respect.

  • Use our IDAHOBIT Video in classroom or presentations to raise awareness about why IDAHOBIT is important

  • Invite in LGBTQIA+ lived experience guest speakers

  • Wear pronoun pins and have Teachers start their lesson by sharing the pronouns to normalise and create awareness.

Celebrate

Whilst creating visibility and sharing knowledge you can also celebrate as well.

  • Play games like drag bingo, queer trivia or a queer themed Kahoot.

  • Have fairy bread or rainbow cupcakes

  • Rainbow nail painting or face painting station

  • Badge making - pride or pronoun pins

  • Hand out rainbow ribbons for staff and students to wear

  • Make pride friendship bracelets

Have fun and remember to reach out to GASP or the Youth Development Unit if you need help.

GASP Geelong