Rainbow flags will fly high across the inner west this week to mark the 2025 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
IDAHOBIT Day began in 2004 and is observed annually on May 17 to mark the date in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders.
With May 17 this year falling on a Saturday, both Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils will be holding flag ceremonies earlier in the week.
Supported by its LGBTIQA+ community liaison group, Hobsons Bay council will raise the rainbow flag outside the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre at 10.30am on Friday, May 16.
The event will also include speakers representing council and the Hobsons Bay Pride community liaison group and will be followed by a morning tea.
Support for the LBGTIQA+ community in Hobsons Bay has grown in recent years, with the development of a Facebook group providing nearly 150 members with opportunities to connect, catch up and provide support and advice.
In Maribyrnong, a ceremonial flag raising event will be held on Thursday, May 15 at the civic precinct and community hub at Footscray Town Hall.
The flag raising ceremony will take place on the front lawn at 1pm and will be followed by a speaker panel featuring special guests and representatives from the LGBTQIA+ community in Maribyrnong and the western suburbs.
Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information and to RSVP, go to: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Events/IDAHOBIT-2025-Flag-Raising-and-Speaker-Panel
For details on the Hobsons Bay event, go to: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/pride.
