Police chiefs, departmental secretaries and entire state governments celebrated International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on Tuesday by flying the rainbow flag and raising money for LGBTI-community charities.
Organisations showed off their inclusion strategies and corporate memberships to diversity bodies, while LGBTI networks in agencies across Australia also had their moment to shine.
Victoria’s top public servant Chris Eccles spruiked the Victorian Public Service joining LGBTI inclusion training provider Pride In Diversity, and taking part in the state’s Pride March:
“All Victorian Government departments are committed to supporting employee diversity initiatives. Leading the public sector at Pride March is one way we are showing our support for our people and recognising the importance of Victoria’s LGBTI community,” Eccles was quoted saying in Star Observer.
Adrian Ranieri from the Department of Human Services’ LGBTI network reflected on the importance of IDAHOT and its outreach to the community and future employees:
“Discrimination towards LGBTI people is still a reality for many people on a daily basis,” Ranieri said in an article posted by DHS.
“It will only be by talking about it and sharing experiences that the broader community can reach an understanding of what some LGBTI people go through — just by being who they are.”
Over 85% of the LGBTI community in New South Wales have experienced abuse, harassment or violence in their lifetime. While 80% of people in same-sex relationships in Victoria have experienced public insult — with 13% experiencing physical assault. It’s one of the many reasons LGBTI people don’t feel comfortable showing affection in public, Ranieri said.
“For LGBTI people, every time you meet someone new or start a new job it’s scary because you must make the choice to ‘come out’ to them or not. You never know how that is going to be received, whether people will accept you or if it will damage working relationships — or even your career.”
Several departments, including DHS, now have online LGBTI inclusion training courses. DEFGLIS has also developed a whole-of-government training module for LGBTI peer support.
Having a network inside his organisation and knowing these materials are available made all the difference to him, Ranieri said: “Being able to be myself at work and not having to hide aspects of who I am is truly a great thing.”
The Mandarin hears that the new LGBTI network for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has up to $50,000 to run inclusion activities this year, which may include connecting current networks into a whole of government APS network.
How governments celebrated IDAHOT this year
The department’s Pride Network raising money for @aidsactionact in
recognition of #IDAHOBiT pic.twitter.com/jqnJv21OaD— Michele Bruniges (@EduSecretaryAU) May 17, 2016
The #LGBTI Rainbow flag is now flying over QPS HQ – raised by transgender officer Constable Mairead Devlin. #IDAHOT pic.twitter.com/4cS8kxoaEO
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) May 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/CPOACT/status/732352087833468932
Today is International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia, embracing diversity & acceptance of all #IDAHOT pic.twitter.com/n0ACxvxVfJ
— Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 🇦🇺 (@dfat) May 16, 2016
We’re celebrating International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia today and committing to #bebetter allies. @idahotaus #IDAHOT
— ACNC (@ACNC_gov_au) May 16, 2016
Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. What are you doing to celebrate? #IDAHOBIT pic.twitter.com/c4Q1sZYIUU
— Victorian Government (@VicGovAu) May 16, 2016
The dept’s Pride Network bake sale – raising funds to help @aidsactionact support the LGBTIQ community #IDAHOBiT pic.twitter.com/HCaTeWtoaK
— Australian Government Department of Education (@AusGovEducation) May 17, 2016
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