Standing Together for Inclusion: IDAHOBIT and the Ongoing Need for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy

May 17 marks a powerful moment in history: the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. Since then, this date has become known globally as IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. Over thirty years later, it remains as relevant and necessary as ever.

While there has been progress, the reality is that LGBTQIA+ individuals still face discrimination, stigma, and exclusion in many parts of life – including at school. Recent research (AWEI, 2025) shows that fewer LGBTQIA+ Australians feel safe being out at work now than they did just a few years ago. In schools, the picture is similarly concerning. Two in three LGBTQIA+ young people report experiencing abuse related to their identity, and these students are six times more likely to experience depression compared to their peers.

This highlights a critical truth: schools can either be a source of stress and exclusion, or a safe haven of acceptance and support. In Australia, nearly 79% of LGBTQ+ young people have experienced suicidal thoughts, and almost half (47.3%) have attempted suicide at some point. The good news is that each of us has the power to make a difference.

Creating a visibly inclusive and supportive school environment not only affirms the identities of LGBTQIA+ students, but also improves mental health, boosts academic engagement, and fosters a sense of belonging. When school leaders and teachers use inclusive language, for example, incidents of harassment are significantly reduced – by as much as 50%.

So, what can we all do – as educators, students, and community members – to be allies?

Practical Steps to Support LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

1. Model Inclusive Language
   Words matter. Use terminology that respects and affirms diverse identities. This includes avoiding assumptions about gender and relationships – for instance, saying “partner” instead of “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” unless you know someone’s identity.
2. Respect Privacy
   Everyone deserves control over their identity. Avoid intrusive questions and never “out” someone without their consent.
3. Use Correct Pronouns
   Pronouns like he/him, she/her, and they/them are essential to respecting someone’s identity. Taking the time to learn and use someone’s correct pronouns makes a big difference.
4. Speak Up
   Being an ally sometimes means having uncomfortable conversations. Whether it’s challenging a harmful comment or standing beside a student facing discrimination, your voice matters – especially when others are silent.

Visibility Matters
Inclusion is not just about what we don’t allow – it’s about what we actively do. Schools that visibly support LGBTQIA+ inclusion send a clear message: you belong here.

A key strategy to lead by visibility is to respect and use pronouns, even when someone isn’t present. Introduce yourself with your pronouns, encouraging a culture where it’s safe for others to do the same.

By taking these simple, meaningful steps, we send a powerful message to our students: you are seen, you are respected, and you are supported.

Let’s use IDAHOBIT as a reminder of our shared responsibility to create a school community where all students – regardless of their identity – feel safe, valued, and empowered.

College Counsellors

Allison Flanagan
aflanagan@wmac.com.au

Tia Reardon
treardon@wmac.com.au