AUSTRALIA
International Day Against Homophobia marked
Maurice Farrell, Sydney
23 May 2009
Close to 100 people attended a May 17 Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH)-organised International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) rally in Newtown to commemorate the day the World Health Organisation took homosexuality off its list of mental disorders.
Tracie O’Keefe (Sex and Gender Education), Emma Dook (National Union of Students), Irene Doutney (Greens), Elena Jeffreys (Scarlet Alliance), Connor Montgomery (Socialist Alliance) and Norrie mAy-welby spoke at the rally. Speakers covered struggles against homophobia and transphobia.
The rally ended a weekend of activity that included a lunchtime forum at Martin Place on May 15 addressed by ACON CEO Stevie Clayton and the NSW Police spokesperson for gay, lesbian, transgender issues, Donna Adney.
As part of the activities, IDAHO the Exhibition and the Hate-Crime Map, which was initiated by IDAHO Sydney, was held at Pine Street Creative Arts Centre on May 16.
Nick Baldas, curator of IDAHO the Exhibition, is already making plans for 2010: “Our main objective is to contact all secondary schools in NSW and get youth artists contributing their talents.”
CAAH has begun working with the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), with to broaden events to Asia and the Pacific.
Simon Margan, ILGA/CAAH liaison spokesperson said: “It’s a great initiative and will help represent and understand the nature of homophobia in our region.”
The group is also organising a rally and march in Sydney for the August 1 national day of action (NDA) for same-sex marriage.
CAAH co-convener Emilia Lawonski said actions would be held in all capital cities. In Sydney, protesters will meet at Town Hall at noon, then march to the national Labor conference at Darling Harbour.
“We would love to know what we can do to help or contribute to other community organisations to stage their own actions, especially if they are planning any other events for the week of the NDA, or if they would like to assist CAAH.”
