Defence personnel stimulated workplace conversation about LGBTI inclusion on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Personnel from RAAF Edinburgh's No. 87 Squadron and DEFGLIS attended an information session organised by DEFGLIS member Bonnie Doyle to mark the occasion.
At the event the members 87 Squadron spoke to the significance of the day and how society and the defence culture has changed since the 90s. Members spoke about how it wasn't a matter of 'don't ask don't tell,' but more of a 'no one asked and no one told' environment.
Doyle spoke about how homopbobia, biphobia, intersex and transphobia can have substantial influences on behaviour.
"Iit forces heterosexual people to act more 'straight', it causes depression and anxiety in homosexuals and transgendered people," said Doyle
‘We are pretty welcoming of all people, and we must learn to not make assumptions about people's partners genders and if someone says they are female or male then they are female or male, and that should be respected’
Doyle said that she handed out Army Pride Pins to anyone who wanted them.
In Darwin Tom Mylne organised a morning tea to commemorate the day. His rainbow cake (pictured above) which was effective at turning workplace discussion toward inclusion of LGBTI personnel and problems that stem from homophobit, biphobia.
DEFGLIS member and G-Force founder David Mitchell, gave a presentation to his work colleagues at the Australian Tax Office. Mitchell told his story of life in the RAAF as well as his fight against homophobia following removal of the policy banning homosexual behaviour in 1992.
IDAHOBIT provides an effective opportunity for very simple informal activities to lead workplace conversation about behaviour.
The day serves as a useful reminder to personnel to be mindful of their behaviour, and recognise that behaviour has direct correlation to how included team mates feel.
On 17th May 1990 the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. This major milestone for equality was chosen in 2004 as a day to bring attention to the injustices and discrimination, that stem from irrational fears of same-sex attraction, intersex people and gender identity.
Pictured: David Mitchell briefs the Brisbane Australian Tax Office on IDAHOBIT Day