Mansfield celebrates diversity at IDAHOBIT

Published on 27 May 2025

On Friday 16 May 2025, Mansfield Shire came together to raise a flag for its diverse community at IDAHOBIT, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia.

IDAHOBIT is observed annually on 17 May to celebrate diversity within our community and to raise awareness about the discrimination lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other marginalized communities worldwide face. The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Councillor Bonnie Clark opened the event as Mayor Cr Steve Rabie was in Melbourne to represent Mansfield Shire at the Municipal Association of Victoria’s State Council.

“There is no place for discrimination in our community,” Cr Bonnie Clark said in her speech.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said that diversity was one of the attributes of the Mansfield Shire community that made it so strong.

“A strong community needs people who are different and respect and celebrate those differences,” said Cr Rabie.

“Many of us are old enough to remember times that were much tougher in terms of discrimination.

“I’m grateful for how far we have come as a community and pleased to see opportunities for people to come together to celebrate diversity,” said Cr Rabie.