Peninsula Health Community Advisory Group member Hazel Rich raises the rainbow flag for IDAHOBIT. Photo: Yanni Dellaportas.
Peninsula Health has raised the rainbow flag in support for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersex Discrimination (IDAHOBIT).
IDAHOBIT has been recognised every year since 2004, raising awareness of the violence and discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer + (LGBTIQ+) communities worldwide.
The day is marked on May 17, the date on which the World Health Organization (WHO) declassified homosexuality as being a mental disorder.
Peninsula Health Chief Executive Felicity Topp spoke to attendees at the IDAHOBIT ceremony outside the main entrance to Frankston Hospital on Monday. She stated the day reinforces the health service’s commitment to providing safe, personal, effective and connected care to every person, every time.
Chief Executive Felicty Topp addresses those gathered for the IDAHOBIT Day flag raising ceremony. Photo: Yanni Dellaportas.
“This isn’t something that we are committed to supporting once a year, but every single day,” she said.
“Our people are striving to ensure we are a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and comfortable to access care.”
“We will continue to build on our training, policies and procedures to ensure that we are always achieving our goal, to be proudly inclusive.”
LGBTIQ+ Community Advisory Group member Byron Croft explains why the day is important to the LGBTIQ+ community. Photo: Yanni Dellaportas.
Peninsula Health LGBTIQ+ Community Advisory Group member Byron Croft told those gathered at the event that the group is proud to have assisted with securing Rainbow Tick accreditation in 2017.
“This only happened because of the close partnership between our staff and our consumers – we could not have done it on our own,” he said.
“Rainbow Tick is not just a sticker on the door, it’s principles, and these principles must become second nature to everyone connected to Peninsula Health.”
Mr Croft said the flag raising was a public display of support for the LGBTIQ+ community and that Peninsula Health shows support for diversity and equality in the workplace.
“So the next challenge for our CAG members is to continue the message of IDAHOBIT.”
“We are now a community striving together, from the highest level, towards inclusion and understanding for us and every person. This will be achieved by education and guidance in a constantly evolving environment.”
More than 40 people watched on as Community Advisory Group member Hazel Rich raised the rainbow pride flag outside the main entrance to Frankston Hospital. Rainbow flags also flew at other Peninsula Health sites, including The Mornington Centre.
Peninsula Health encourages the use of support networks if required. Switchboard Victoria provides a peer based, volunteer run support service for LGBTIQ+people and their families, as well as allies and the broader community.
If you would like information about the Peninsula Health LGBTIQ+ Community Advisory Group, please contact the Consumer Participation Program on 9784 2665 or email consumerparticipation@phcn.vic.gov.au