You are here:
Home → Events Calendar → Bendigo says NO to homophobia
Bendigo says NO to homophobia
Sunday, 16 May 10
The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is an important opportunity to address homophobia both locally and nationally. It falls on 17 May each year to commemorate the decision by the World Health Organisation in 1990 to take homosexuality off the list of mental disorders. IDAHO began in 2005 and is now celebrated in more than 50 countries across the world, linking lesbian, gay, bisexual and often trans people, and their supporters by its goals. Recognised in Australia since 2008, IDAHO has been growing steadily since.
CAN, in partnership with B-EPIC and other local community organisations are hoping to engage with local sporting, school, business and community groups and individuals in the Bendigo and surrounding areas to show support for the IDAHO campaign. Our aim is to invite members of the community to join us for the biggest possible photo of people against homophobia which will then be made into a poster with the central theme "Bendigo says NO to homophobia". The poster will be uploaded to the official IDAHO website as well as being professionally printed and made available for display in public spaces. We want to offer you or your group the opportunity to be involved with this activity in one of two ways.
- You or your group would be welcome to send representatives to a mass photo to be held on Sunday 16th May at the Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street Bendigo where people could make their own signs with an individual message against homophobia. This photo will become the central focus of the poster.
- We will also be offering to visit groups at training sessions or games as well as school grounds and workplaces to take smaller group photos at a time and place which is convenient to you. These photos will be included in the final poster.
A similar event was held in Kyneton in 2008 where approximately 150 people gathered for a photograph. We want to show what a great place Bendigo is by getting as many people involved as possible. The official theme for IDAHO this year is Homophobia in the Sporting World - Speaking about Silence so it would be great to get as many sporting teams on board as we can. To get involved, or find out more simply contact CAN on 5543 8355 or email paulamccluskey@can.org.au . We are looking forward to working together to say NO to homophobia.