IDAHOBIT??? What’s That?!

Written by Elijah Fountain

What is it? IDAHOBIT is an acronym, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and is commemorated on May 17th, every year.

What are these terms?

Well, to put it simply:

Homophobia: Prejudice against homosexual people,

Biphobia: Prejudice against bisexual people

Transphobia: Prejudice against people under the transgender umbrella.

The day is used as a reminder to everyone to stand-up against prejudices within the LGBTQIA+ community. It is also a day of recognising the past and acknowledging the governmental changes to how the community was treated.

IDAHOBIT presents this information through a light, fun and eventful lens because it tries to bring everyone together as a community.  

The acronym LGBTQIA+ is an umbrella term meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and aromantic/asexual, however the group is not limited by these terms and many different labels for different sexualities or gender orientation which is indicated by the + symbol.

What can everyone do to be an ally?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a member of the community or an ally, it is all our job as people to make sure everyone is safe and free from all forms of judgement due to their gender or sexuality.

There are many amazing ways of supporting the community; and here are my top three tips out there for supporting a minority.

• Listening: Listening is not just throwing the words into the void, it’s receiving the knowledge you get from people, understanding or if you don’t ask until you understand.
  It’s also applying that knowledge, so you grow and learn more about a group you thought you knew.

• Embrace being uncomfortable: Topics that aim to change social conditions are supposed to be uncomfortable to the majority, whether it’s your privilege or your unconscious bias, addressing that awkwardness and using it to grow yourself into a more enlightened person.

• Get Involved: Even if it is something small, getting involved contributes greatly into a cause that helps many. Getting involved is like, donating, speaking up against behaviour that is homophobic or attending events from the communities.

Something that is not mentioned but is an amazing opportunity is to become a registered Ally under Charles Sturt.

To be an ally does not mean you have to join this, but it is an amazing opportunity to help more people especially more people within Charles Sturt.

Joining the program also requires you to be trained online and allow the LGBTQIA+ alumni to email you directly.

If you’re interested in becoming a registered Charles Sturt Ally, please click here.

What Happens During IDAHOBIT?

During the day it is ideal to wear the colours that represent the community, whether that be the rainbow flag, or a flag that represents your identity, sexuality, or gender such as bisexual, pansexual, genderfluid etc.

This is to showcase a sense of pride and resilience within our communities and our allies, that during and after all this prejudice, we will not be silenced, and this is who we are.

During IDAHOBIT, The Student Council at Bathurst campus has planned a trivia night on May 18 with local drag superstar Betty Confetti as the host. 

Students are heavily encouraged to take in the fun and excitement of Betty’s Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent while gaining insight about the day and the community. It’s completely free to attend with pizza served for dinner.

LGBTQIA+ Violence

Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia is not welcomed anywhere in Australia especially at Charles Sturt.

If LGBTQIA+ students feel unwelcome, unsafe, or targeted while on campus, you can call the LGBTQIA Violence Hotline on 1800 497 212.

Happy IDAHOBIT Day!

Want to hear another student voice?