Ararat Rural City and Northern Grampians Shire Councils will show their support for the LGBTIQ community with simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies this Friday for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia.
Also known by its acronym IDAHOBIT Day, the day was launched globally in 2004 to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersectional and questioning (LGBTIQ) people.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said while the two councils had to limit attendees at the flag-raising ceremonies due to coronavirus restrictions, they would be an important symbolic gesture to the LGBTIQ community.
Dr Harrison said the rainbow flag would be raised at the Ararat Rural City Council office at 10am with a small group of Council officers and the Mayor practising social distancing.
"IDAHOBIT Day is a time to stand with the LGBTIQ community and make the world a better place for everyone," Dr Harrison said.
"Council wants the LGBTIQ community to know that Council supports them wholeheartedly and believes everyone is equal."
Rainbow flags will also be raised at the Northern Grampians Shire Council chambers flagpole at the Pleasant Creek Historical Precinct in Stawell and at the St Arnaud Hospital at 10am to mark the occasion.
Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO Liana Thompson said the Northern Grampians is a welcoming community who supports all our LGBTIQ+ residents and visitors.
"IDAHOBIT Day is a chance for us council's to proudly show our support for the members of our communities who have historically been marginalised."
"We are all for equality and feel this show of support is necessary to let everyone know our organisation and our community will not stand for discrimination or oppression in any way."
Other community groups, such as Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership and East Wimmera Health Services, will also be marking the occasion with flag-raising ceremonies.
For more about IDAHOBIT visit www.idahobit.org.au.
