Flag pledge plea
Anadvocacy group is calling on Wimmera council candidates to make a pledge to fly the rainbow flag on LGBTIQ awareness days if they are elected.
Wimmera Pride Project communications manager Patrick Quaine has contacted six Wimmera councils to urge their candidates to sign one of five Rainbow Local Government pledges to fly the flag.
Mr Quaine said candidates making this pledge represented a ‘massive step forward’ in helping LGBTIQ people feel more included in their communities.
“We’re only asking to make the pledge to fly the flag – we think that’s a very important first step,” he said.
“It doesn’t cost anything and it’s a really simple gesture, but it’s so powerful and meaningful to the council’s LGBTIQ constituents.”
Eight of 58 candidates in Wimmera municipalities including Horsham and Ararat rural cities, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Buloke shire councils have made a partial pledge.
An additional four candidates have made a full pledge, committing to the five priority areas such as establishing and continuing an LGBTIQ advisory committee to council and developing and implementing an action plan.
Mr Quaine said raising the flag on days of awareness could help to foster an ‘inclusive and responsive culture’ that was accessible to all LGBTIQ people living in the Wimmera.
He said the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, IDAHOBIT, an annual event in May, would be a key opportunity for councils to show their support.
“I know Horsham hasn’t flown the flag for
IDAHOBIT when requests have been made in the past,” he said.
“If we don’t have those positive messages and symbolic gestures like raising the flag for IDAHOBIT to show their council supports them, then all people hear are all the negative things.
“I think it’s important to recognise that LGBTIQ people still face discrimination.
“I’ve faced verbal discrimination walking down the street while holding my partner’s hand and I’ve known people who have left town because of physical violence they have faced.”
Small gesture
Mr Quaine said the pledge to fly the flag would be a ‘small gesture’ that would likely encourage more people to feel comfortable with their identity.
“It might encourage more people to be open and honest about their sexuality and gender identity,” he said.
“A lot of people living in regional areas who are LGBTIQ might not even have the confidence or feel safe coming out, let alone sitting on an advisory committee to council.”
He said it would take leadership from Wimmera councils to continue to strive for more inclusive communities.
“We need leadership from our council to show our community that discrimination against LGBTIQ people should not be tolerated,” he said.
“We should be doing things that make sure our LGBTIQ constituents who are part of our community, who pay our rates, who are our family, friends and co-workers can feel included.
“We’re not asking for the world here. But this is a largely symbolic gesture that is hugely meaningful for us and doesn’t impact the rest of the community.”
Candidates can make the pledge by visiting website rainbowvotes.com.au.