We stand up against discrimination in all its forms this IDAHOBIT Day
Today, we come together to recognise IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia) – a day where we collectively stand up for the people that we serve – and stand up against discrimination in all its forms.
Today is also a day where we celebrate diversity. At the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, we are proud to acknowledge this important day but to also reaffirm our ongoing commitment to supporting marginalised and vulnerable people living with HIV.
Why is 17 May so important?
Before 1990, the World Health Organisation viewed homosexuality as a ‘mental illness.’ For many of us, that’s within our lifetime. This change was a milestone moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and today we celebrate and recognise the anniversary of this important change. More recently, in some parts of Australia, homosexuality was only decriminalised in 1997, and same-sex marriage was only legalised in 2017. It is these milestones that remind us that equality is far from over.
We know that some of the experiences of some trans and non-binary people and their related mental health concerns are just some of the ongoing issues facing our communities today. There is still much work to be done.
BGF’s role in supporting our community
Our mission at BGF is to empower, support and uplift people living with HIV and help them to thrive. However, many of our clients still face stigma and fear due to their HIV status but can often also experience that same stigma and fear because of their LGBTQIA+ identity.
We provide a range of support services including financial assistance, case management and health and wellbeing programs – all designed to meet the unique needs of the people we work with.
“BGF has been a lifeline for me. The discrimination I faced was overwhelming, but the support from BGF helped me regain my confidence and rebuild my life. Knowing there are people who understand and stand by me makes all the difference.” - Jake, BGF client.
Our commitment:
We know there is much more we can do and that process requires continuous effort and dedication. That’s why, at BGF, we’re committed to:
- Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can truly belong – for our staff and our clients. This also means adapting our services to meet the needs of our diverse communities
- LGBTQIA+ inclusion – this isn’t just a goal but a daily practice at BGF – we want a workplace that is supportive, respectful and values everyone
- Support for mental health and wellbeing – we prioritise mental health and make available support services and resources for anyone in need
- Community engagement and advocacy – we collaborate with our friends in the community to promote and raise awareness of the issues that are important to us and the people that we serve.
IDAHOBIT is coordinated by Minus18 – a charity for Australian LGBTQIA+ youth. Visit www.IDAHOBIT.org.au to learn more.
To make a generous donation to BGF and to help us continue our work with people living with HIV, please donate here.