By Sam Laurie
Thursday 17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is ‘Alliances for Solidarity’; nothing can happen in isolation and everyone needs to stand together to help create a better future for everyone, both within the queer community and outside it.
IDAHOBIT at CSU
In 2004, 17 May was chosen as IDAHOBIT to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. The day is all about raising awareness about LGBTQI+ rights and the issues they face. Go rainbow on IDAHOBIT to show that you support for LGBTIQ+ members of the CSU community, or use the hashtag #IDAHOBIT to show the world that you support your peers. CSU’s core values of insightful, inclusive, impactful and inspiring fit within IDAHOBIT as a day to stand for inclusivity and make a positive impact on the experience of queer members of the CSU community. CSU, the Ally Network is working with student groups such as the Student Rep Councils (SRCs) and Wagga Wagga student club Momentum to help create events on the day that show the support queer CSU students and staff have from our community.
Here’s what’s happening across campuses in 2018.
Albury-Wodonga
Albury-Wodonga is going all out, all week with Kaleidoscope week. Tuesday is cultural awareness, CSU Green has Wednesday covered with everything you need to reduce your footprint on the world, Thursday is of course IDAHOBIT so look out for the Equity and Diversity team spreading the rainbow love. There will also be Consent Matters and Ally training information available if you want to attend a training session. Keep an eye out for giveaways, posters, and the CSU Ally network. The SRC is going to be subsiding soup at the Canteen all week, just in time for the cooler weather! So come get involved each day of what will be a great week.
Bathurst
On Thursday 10 May, Rafters Bar will be hosting Drag Bingo, and will be aiming to raise money to sponsor CSU students and staff to Mardi Gras or Queer Collaborations Conference. IDAHOBIT Day on 17 May there will be information stalls with giveaways and posters and the Ally network all rainbow-ed up. Ally training is also taking place so register your interest to attend on the website.
Port Macquarie
Giveaways, posters, rainbows and an information stall are going for you at Port Macquarie! A movie night is also going to be held by the CSU Ally Network in Port Macquarie!
Orange
Info stall in Banjos so come along, grab some freebies, sign up for Ally training or grab a rainbow lollipop or two.
Wagga Wagga
On Wednesday 16 May the Crow Bar will be hosting drag queen trivia! Come by for a night of amazing entertainment. Hear local guest speaker Ray Goodlass at the Crow Bar on Thursday, as well as loading as many resources on mental, physical, and sexual health as you can carry from Wellways and ACON. There will also be food, giveaways and posters! If you are interested in attending Ally training we will have dates and all the information you need. Momentum will also be holding their annual IDAHOBIT in town and would love to see you there.
Sam Laurie (pronoun he/him) is studying TV Production in Wagga Wagga and having a great time living on campus. He loves storytelling and animals. He’s also passionate about social justice and the equity officer for Rivcoll SRC and Momentum President.
