IDAHOBIT

Sunday 17 May 2026 is IDAHOBIT, the International Day against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination.

For the University, IDAHOBIT is an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the safety, inclusion and success of all LGBTIQA+ students and staff. The University’s LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan puts this commitment into practice by addressing the highest-priority inclusion issues as identified by LGBTIQA+ students and staff.

We also acknowledge the reality of the current environment: From 2025, we have seen a sharp rise in anti-LGBTIQA+ policies and rhetoric across the globe, targeting the trans and gender diverse community in particular. Negative changes in both policy and rhetoric are impacting our University community, making IDAHOBIT a particularly important day to acknowledge.

Building a strong sense of community and sharing knowledge have long been effective ways of supporting people through difficult times. With this in mind, we encourage the University community to engage with the groups, articles and resources listed below.

Pride in Action is the University’s network for students and staff who support LGBTIQA+ inclusion, connection and belonging.

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The Pride in Action Network newsletter will regularly update students and staff about events and news, and provide resources for the LGBTIQA+ community here at the University.

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Want to better support LGBTIQA+ students and staff? Check out these resources:

  • Purchase and wear a University Pronoun Pin. Pins are sold at cost price (not-for-profit initiative) through the University’s Merchandise Shop (Parkville campus).

IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination.

It was first celebrated in 1990 in response to the removal of ‘homosexuality’ from the Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organisation. Today it aims to raise awareness of ongoing forms of LGBTIQA+ discrimination in society, while also celebrating the progress that has been made.

Professor of Psychology Andrew Perfors is the University’s Academic Lead for LGBTIQA+ Inclusion and Director of the Complex Human Data Hub. Professor Perfors has written a series of articles for Pursuit giving voice and context to some of the challenges facing trans and gender diverse people this year.

Read and share these articles to better understand the challenges your trans and gender diverse colleagues, students and peers are currently facing, and how you can support them during this time.

  1. My mixed emotions on Transgender Day of Visibility
  2. Disinformation exists across all parts of the global political spectrum, but it goes far beyond simply lying

For more stories on LGBTIQA+ themes, visit Pursuit.

Each year for IDAHOBIT, the University celebrates with Progress Pride Flag installations across our campuses. Some designs feature the new artwork launched at the Midsumma Pride March in 2024. Take a trip around your campus and find the installations.

The LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Action Plan represents the first coordinated whole-of-University approach to eliminate obstacles in culture, practices, systems and structures for LGBTIQA+ inclusion. The aim is to embed and advance principles of diversity and inclusion by addressing the unique challenges facing LGBTIQA+ students, staff and visitors to the University.

The Plan is currently in its final year of implementation. Outcomes will be reported on later in the year, with a view towards implementing the next iteration beginning in 2026.

Read the Action Plan here.

Did you know that the University has a dedicated Gender Affirmation Advisor in the Safer Community Program? The Advisor can help trans and gender diverse students and staff navigate University life by providing information on key University processes and services, as well as connection to services and agencies outside the University.

You can schedule an appointment to speak to the Gender Affirmation Advisor here.

Read more information tailored to trans and gender diverse students and staff