IDAHOBIT 2023 - Together Always. United in Diversity.

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Same Same blog! As you would know, today is a very special day for us & for millions of people around the world. It's IDAHOBIT, which stands for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. It's a day to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and to raise awareness and take action against the discrimination and violence that we still face in many places.

This year's theme is Together Always. United in Diversity. I think it's a beautiful and powerful message that reminds us of the importance of solidarity and allyship, not only within our own community but also with other marginalized groups and movements. We are stronger when we stand together when we support each other when we amplify each other's voices and stories.

That's why I want to use this blog post to share some of the amazing initiatives and campaigns happening today to mark IDAHOBIT. Whether it's online or offline, there are so many ways to get involved and show your pride and solidarity. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye:

- The Victorian Parliament & all the state’s local government areas are raising the rainbow flag in honor of the queer community today. It is the first time Australia has seen the rainbow flag raised on such a scale. 

- The Diversity Storr is hosting an IDAHOBIT online webinar today. Featuring 3 prominent LGBTQIA+ community panelists, they will discuss and provide practical examples and recommendations on how to respond to LGBTQIA+ resistance and backlash. 

- The Eltham Library Drag storytime event that was scheduled to be held at the venue today has been moved online after receiving vile abuse and threats by fringe far-right groups & neo-Nazis. However, a newly formed group called the Rainbow Community Angels will be gathering outside the library today to support & defend the council's important work to promote inclusion & celebrate LGBTQIA+ members of the community, especially young people and kids from rainbow families.

These are just some examples of how Australians are celebrating IDAHOBIT this year. There are many more events and actions that you can find on social media using the hashtag #IDAHOBIT2023. I encourage you to check them out and join the ones that resonate with you. And if you don't see anything that suits your interests or needs, you can always create your own! The most important thing is to express yourself authentically and proudly and to show your support and respect for others who do the same.

IDAHOBIT is not just a day, it's a movement. It's a movement that started in 2004 as a grassroots initiative by LGBTQIA+ activists and has grown into a global phenomenon that reaches millions of people every year. It's a movement that aims to create a world where everyone can live freely and equally, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. It's a movement that needs you and me, today and always.

Happy IDAHOBIT, everyone! Together Always.

United in Diversity. Uniting for Equality, Love, and Acceptance.