IDAHOBIT Day in Baw Baw
International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT) Day was recently celebrated all over the world.
In Gippsland, Quantum Support Services and Trafalgar High School were among those actively recognising the day on May 17.
At Quantum, employees took time out of their day to recognise its importance.
Since 2017 the organisation has been working towards getting a Rainbow Tick Accreditation.
"We want to be known as being a safe place for the LGBTIQA+ community. Everyone should be able to access services safely, if and when, they need," said Quantum chief executive Natalie McDonald.
"Everyone deserves to be safe in their community and their lives. It is critically important to us that Quantum is active in this space and assists in creating more inclusion for all our community members."
Quantum hosted a guest speaker, Gaby Kruithof, who spoke about the importance of supporting LGBTIQA+ young people.
"Those who are supported by their family and loved ones have significantly better outcomes than those who don't," Quantum LGBTI Champions Group chair Kim Halliday said.
"Gaby spoke about how 'a life lived in fear is a life half lived' and encouraged the audience to be active allies."
Trafalgar High School also engaged in IDAHOBIT day celebrations.
Staff and students participated in lunchtime cookie decorating. The activity encouraged students to consider inclusive environments and express creativity.
Many students took inspiration from pride flags for their decorations, and all students were invited to participate whether they identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally.