Central Gippsland Health (CGH) is again celebrating a significant date in the LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) calendar – IDAHOBIT Day on Friday 17 May.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia – affectionately known as IDAHOBIT Day, is a worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities, and is a stance against discrimination in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer mates, colleagues and family members.
CGH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Frank Evans, said CGH sought to provide an environment that was LGBTI inclusive so that people from the LGBTI community felt valued and welcomed when accessing services or when working with CGH.
“IDAHOBIT Day is observed on 17 May because this was the date the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders in 1990,” Dr Evans explained.
“It’s a day CGH will stand with the LGBTIQ community and we are hosting a number of activities for staff where 100 per cent of the donations received will go towards programs supporting LGBTIQ youth.”
On IDAHOBIT Day, CGH staff will congregate at the Sale Campus Cafeteria during morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea to make colourful badges that can be worn on lanyards. Staff at other sites will also be taking part in activities.