Illawarra residents gathered at the University of Wollongong on Tuesday to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), drawing attention to the violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, and to stand in solidarity with gender diverse and queer individuals.
Pulse, the student experience organisation at the University of Wollongong, joined local educational and advocacy organisations to host a mini-festival on campus featuring DJs, drag performances, food, art, and resources.
However, on the eve of the federal election, the celebration of IDAHOBIT prompted many voters to ponder the impact of their ballot on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Greens candidate for Cunningham Dylan Green says the day serves as a reminder of the difficulty that LGBTQIA+ individuals face in accessing safe, gender-affirming and affordable healthcare leading up to the election.
“Healthcare for queer and gender diverse people is something that is in high demand in the electorate and I’d love to see more funding go towards services like the ones we currently have but are at maximum capacity and beyond,” Mr Green said.
