Community
21 May, 2026
Next generation shows its support
SOME of the younger members of the community showcased their support for equality and acceptance at Corangamite Shire’s first IDAHOBIT Day celebration.
The day, International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, is celebrated every May 17 in solidarity with members of the LBGTQIA+ community.
The occasion was a significant one for younger members of the community who have led the way in changing narratives.
LGBTQIA+ identification rates have risen among younger members of the community, with leading youth charity Minus18 finding up to 21 per cent of Australian high school students identify as LGBTQIA+.
Younger Australians have increasingly been visible with their identity due to factors such as increased awareness and acceptance among peers.
The same figures, however, show two in three Australian LGBTQIA+ youth experience bullying and harassment based on their identity.
A study from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found members of the LGBTQIA+ community can be twice as likely to experience mental health struggles, citing stigma, discrimination, bullying, violence and exclusion as a catalyst for poorer mental health outcomes.
Among the younger members of the community throwing their support behind the IDAHOBIT Day festivities was Amity Fleming and Phoebe Dunne, who donned an array of colours in solidarity.
“There’s so much discrimination in the world nowadays,” Amity said.
“I think it’s so important for us to have a day where people can just be people.
“We don’t have to discriminate against other people for something which supports love.
“I think it’s a really big step towards creating a future where people are accepted for who they are – with no questions asked.”
The event was a welcome addition to the local calendar, allowing people in the community to dress up, have fun and throw their support behind the cause without having to travel.
“Amity and I have been looking for a pride event that we can go to for ages, but there’s only been things in Melbourne,” Phoebe said.
“This is a great way that we can come and express ourselves, wear what we want and be who we want to be.
“It’s great to see lots of people supporting the event.”