1 May 2024

Supporting Our Rainbow

May 17 is a special day.

On this day in 1990, the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. In Australia, this milestone has been followed by other advancements for LGBTQIA+ equality (unfortunately, some slower than others – but progress nonetheless).

In 2005, the first International Day Against Homophobia was acknowledged globally. The name of this celebration has evolved over the years. Now ‘IDAHOBIT’ is known as the Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination.

Today – IDAHOBIT on May 17 – is about celebrating the progress we have made while also raising awareness for the discrimination that LGBTQIA+ people still face today. In Australia, LGBTQIA+ people still today experience disproportionate rates of bullying, harassment and discrimination (check out the IDAHOBIT Australia website for statistics).

Here are some ideas from one of your local CQ Psych Services Psychologists around supporting our rainbow of diversity here in Gladstone:

  • Wear rainbow colours, or a rainbow ribbon or lanyard. You can wear rainbow even if you’re not LGBTQIA+ yourself. It signals to others that you’ll respect their identity.
  • Hear real people’s stories. Read and listen to the stories of real LGBTQIA+ people. We often hear about ‘the rainbow’ or the sometimes unfamiliar string of letters that symbolises queer diversity. But they’re not just letters. They’re a label for real people’s identities. Get to know and hear the stories of these people to connect with the humanity of what this kind of discrimination can feel like. You can follow or engage in LGBTQIA+ Media (podcasts about lived experience, Instagram pages, etc.) to do this.
  • Use Pronouns. Pronouns are the words we often use in place of someone’s name, such as he/him, she/her or they/them. Learn about why pronouns are important, and using them at work here. You can even include them in your email signature – yes, even if your pronouns might seem obvious to you – as a signal to others that you’ll respect their identity.

Browse more tips and tricks for turning your understanding into meaningful actions of allyship: https://www.idahobit.org.au/allyship 


How to Access a Psychologist at CQ Psych Services:

  • Contact us directly by calling 07 4972 6929 or email admin@cqpsychservices.com.au
  • Ask your GP or health professional to refer you to our clinic.
  • Come in and see our friendly staff at Shop 1 & 2, 13 Tank Street, Gladstone QLD 4680.
  • Visit our website and complete a ‘Request an Appointment’ form and one of our friendly staff will reply to your enquiry. Website: https://cqpsychservices.com.au/

Author: Kelsie Realf

Psychologist