Sunraysia residents are encouraged to join Council in marking International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) this week.
Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equality Helen Healy said despite the progress made in recent years to combat discrimination of LGBTIQ people, it remains a serious issue in communities across the country.
"Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia can occur online, face-to-face and affect everyone by creating spaces where people feel unsafe and feel like they can't be themselves," Cr Healy said.
"The fact that we unfortunately still see this discrimination occurring reinforces the need to continue marking important global dates such as IDAHOBIT, which this year falls on Sunday 17 May.
"It's a chance for us to celebrate our beautiful LGBTIQ community and is a reminder that we all need to do more to challenge discrimination."
In the face of COVID-19 restrictions, Mildura Rural City Council will mark IDAHOBIT 2020 with a series of social media messages, highlighting the importance of reducing the prevalence of Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia.
Cr Healy will also feature in a video blog this week stressing the need to keep making progress towards a more inclusive, accepting community.
In a very public show of support for IDAHOBIT, Council will raise Pride flags at its Madden Ave offices, and at the Fifteenth Street and Deakin Avenue intersection flagpoles from Friday 15 May to Monday 18 May.
Cr Healy said this year's IDAHOBIT marks the 30th anniversary of the World Health Organisation removing homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
"This important anniversary reminds us how far we've come, but can also inspire us to continue progressing towards a community where residents feel safe and included," she said.
Cr Healy said a person's sexuality, gender identity or intersex status may not always be visible, which can lead to people feeling unsafe.
She said an effective way to combat this is to use pronouns that LGBTIQ people use as part of their identity.
For example, introducing someone as 'miss' or 'mister' rather than letting people simply make their own assumptions.
Residents confined to their homes during COVID-19 restrictions can also learn more online by visiting:
https://www.vic.gov.au/inclusive-language-guide
