About IDAHO ‘09
THEME for IDAHO 2009 IN VICTORIA – HOMOSEXUALITY KNOWS NO BORDERS
OUR GOAL: To make the general population in Victoria and, more specifically, ethno-cultural communities of all backgrounds more aware of gay and lesbian issues, and sexual diversity and to work with similar campaigns in other Australian states.
The International Day Against Homophobia has grown larger year by year since its inception in 2003. May 17 has become the prime moment to remember that homophobia still exists in our Australian and Victorian communities and that we must combat it.
The goal for the 2009 Campaign Internationally is to make the general population and, more specifically, ethno-cultural communities of all backgrounds more aware of gay and lesbian issues, and sexual diversity. Ethno-cultural communities occupy an increasingly significant place in our societies. What’s more, contributions by these communities are invaluable to the Australian way of life.
Not all of the world’s citizens are able to enjoy the privilege of living in an egalitarian society. In several countries, rights, such as the right to love a person of the same sex and have sexual relations with that person, are limited or violated.
In other countries, sexual orientation is recognised, for the same reasons as practising a religion, as a basic freedom, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal.
People from countries in which homosexuality is legally banned may have some of their own values challenged: what was prohibited in their country is allowed and legally protected in their host country.
Keeping in mind how homosexuality is a universal fact and that borders cannot be forced on it, the 2009 Campaign is aimed towards helping these people to become integrated within their host society and to make ethno-cultural communities aware of sexual diversity issues. In addition, LGBT people and their communities will benefit from their own community’s improved openness toward their issues.
Here in Australia and particularly in Victoria we have seen the strong relationship between many types of violence, sexual assault, partner violence, physical violence and homophobia and other hate related crime – similarities in cause and effect. IDAHO 2009 allows individuals to speak out against homophobia and reflect on the place all types of violence has in our lives whether we are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or heterosexual.
