The community at Ballarat High School will this week spread kindness and support, celebrate diversity and promote inclusion of the school's LGBTQIA+ community.
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The whole school celebrations are being hosted in line with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Established in 2004 to highlight the violence and discrimination experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community, IDAHOBIT day is marked on May 17.
Commemorating the World Health Organisation's decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990, it is a day for the LGBTQIA+ community to come together with allies to raise awareness of discrimination experienced by LGBTQIA+ people and to advocate for change.
IN OTHER NEWS
In line with the school's Mental Health Plan and commitment to create a supportive, respectful and inclusive environment for all students and staff, mental health practitioner Shannon Thompson said the school would be hosting a range of activities.
More than just discussions, the week's activities will promote acceptance and diversity, while encouraging students to take valuable actions to support the LGBTQIA+ community and become allies.
Throughout the week the school grounds will be decorated with rainbows and informative posters, with ribbons to be tied along the school fences.
Staff will also wear rainbow ribbons pinned to their clothes throughout the week.
On IDAHOBIT Day, the rainbow flag will be raised at the school by City of Ballarat mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney.
In an effort to develop widespread empathy for the challenges that LGBTQIA+ can people face, all students and staff will hear from a LGBTQIA+ person about their lived experience.
The aim of this is to promote the importance of inclusion, empathy and safety.
Further to this, all members of the school community will be invited to make an 'ally pledge'. These pledges will form part of an art wall in the foyer of the Administration Building.
This will encourage students to think about their agency in being allies to help break down the barriers often faced by LGBTQIA+ people.
There will also be a fundraiser - a barbecue and rainbow donut drive - at lunchtime on Wednesday.
The LGBTQIA+ community has been identified as a particularly vulnerable group, with evidence showing that people who identify as part of this community being more likely to experience discrimination, stigma, violence and bullying.
These experiences often impact a person's mental and physical health - often having a devastating lifelong impact - and higher rates of suicide.
All members of the school community will spend the week reflecting on being inclusive and empathetic so the school is a physically and psychologically safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ms Thompson said the idea was to cocoon the school and send a strong and supportive message to the LGBTQIA+ community so all students and staff felt noted and accepted.
