Former AFL footballer and coach Danielle Laidley will be the keynote speaker at Geelong’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Wednesday, May 17.
The day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organisation’s removal of homosexuality from its Classification of Diseases on May 17, 1990, serving as both a celebration of the progress made in LGBTIQA+ equality and an acknowledgement of the work still to be done.
Ms Laidley’s raw and honest memoir Don’t Look Away tells the story of her journey from being a hard-as-nails AFL champion wrestling with gender dysphoria to becoming an advocate for transgender people.
The event will be presented by the City of Geelong in partnership with Worksafe, Wellways, TAC, Victoria Police, Drummond Street Services, Geelong Rainbow Inc., Geelong Cats Football Club and Nicholes Family Lawyers.
Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the day was a way for people to show their support for members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
“There is no place in our community for any form of discrimination and that includes discrimination based on gender or sexuality,” Cr Sullivan said.
“It’s vital that everyone feels they have a voice and are free to express themselves as valued members of our community.
“I have no doubt hearing Dani Laidley’s story will open people’s eyes to the challenges that members of the LGBTIQA+ community face, while also providing a source of inspiration.”
Chair of Council’s Inclusion and Care portfolio councillor Anthony Aitken said an event like IDAHOBIT benefitted the whole community.
“While society has come a long way, it’s important that members of the LGBTIQA+ community continue to see real signs of change,” Cr Aitken said.
“Hosting events of this kind, and hearing guests speak of their real-life experiences, will play an important role in helping residents across the broader community understand the challenges that still exist.
“Every member of the community has a role to play in promoting equality and visibility, education and understanding.”
The event links for tickets and the livestream will be made available to the public closer to the date.
