17 May 2024
In 34 years, we have come far, but not far enough, says Fitzroy Legal Service and Q+Law at the organisation’s IDAHOBIT Day event.
“Today, we join millions of people across the world to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day and the remarkable pride and allyship of advocates who have secured equality for LGBTIQA+SB communities over the past 34 years,” Fitzroy Legal Service Interim CEO Hamish McLachlan said.
May 17 marks the anniversary of the World Health Organisation declassifying homosexuality as a mental disorder in the International Classification of Diseases in 1990.
Hamish McLachlan, Interim CEO, Fitzroy Legal Service
“That was only 34 years ago. 17 years ago, being gay was still illegal in parts of Australia. Six years ago, same-sex marriage wasn’t recognised in our country.”
Ryan Hsu, Service Director of Q+Law, emphasises our laws and community attitudes still have a long way to go. “Each of these changes in the law have been vital milestones,” Ryan said.
“They ensure that all LGBTIQA+SB people in our community are safe and free to live without discrimination, humiliation, and threats that too often LGBTIQIA+SB people face for simply being themselves.
We have indeed come a long way, but it is far from enough.
Ryan Hsu, Service Director, Q+Law
“La Trobe University reports that 66% of LGBTIQA+ young people still experience abuse due to their identity, and 35% of all LGBTIQA+ Australians experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months.
“At Q+Law and Fitzroy Legal Service we continue to fight against the discrimination that impacts the lives of LGBTIQA+SB communities and advocate for equality, justice and inclusion.”
Find out more about how you can get the legal support you need, upcoming community legal education and ongoing advocacy work by visiting Q+Law today.
