LGBTIQA plus
We are working towards equality for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual/aromantic (LGBTIQA+) residents. Our aim is to strengthen the participation and rights of all in Darebin, regardless of sexuality, or sex or gender identity.
We are currently in the process of developing Darebin’s LGBTIQA+ Action Plan for 2024 and beyond to deliver on Council’s commitment to create a safer and more welcoming Darebin for LGBTIQA+ community members. You can have a say and follow the progress of the Action Plan development on Your Say Darebin.
Previously, the Sexuality, Sex and Gender Diversity Action Plan 2012-2015 (extended to 2017) supported our work towards equality for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) residents. The Action Plan focused on greater inclusiveness:
- internally within Council as an organisation
- in our services and programs
- in the Darebin community.
We are also working towards achieving the Rainbow Tick accreditation for a number of Council services to strengthen safety and inclusion of LGBTIQA+ communities.
Celebrating our LGBTIQA+ communities
We celebrate International Day Against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT). Recognised in over 60 countries, IDAHOBIT is an annual event celebrated on 17 May, the date when the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1990.
IDAHOBIT aims to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBTI rights work. For information on events for IDAHOBIT day, visit the annual events page.
Council also flies various LGBTIQA+ flags at Preston Town Hall to mark various days of significance for the LGBTIQA+ communities.
Council has proudly participated at the annual Midsumma Pride March and Midsumma Carnival.
IDAHOBIT Messages of Support Video
Darebin LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee advises Council on issues and barriers to equality affecting people in the City of Darebin who identify as LGBTIQA+. Read more about the Advisory Committee.
Marriage equality
Darebin Council proudly supported the yes campaign during the marriage equality postal survey in 2017. This reflected the strong position Darebin has taken to stand in solidarity with its LGBTIQA+ residents on this issue for a number of years.
Intersex awareness
We flew the intersex flag for the first time in 2018 to acknowledge both the International Day of Intersex Awareness (October 26) and the International Day of Intersex Solidarity (November 8).
We showed our commitment to better understanding the unique experiences and needs of the intersex community by becoming Australia’s first local government to affirm the Darlington Statement in 2019, with Councillors voting unanimously to support the rights of intersex people in Australia and New Zealand.
Our stand against homophobia
We also supported the No to Homophobia campaign. Victoria-based, but with a national reach, the "No to homophobia" campaign challenged all forms of harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people (LGBTIQ), whether in the workplace or in social situations. The campaign aimed to reduce the incidence of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic harassment in Victoria (and beyond) by empowering LGBTIQA+ people.
On 21 March 2016, Council officially became a supporter of Safe Schools Coalition by signing this pledge: "We believe that schools should provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students, so that they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential – free from bullying and discrimination. We pledge to stand up against homophobia and transphobia whenever we see or hear it. We are proud to support Safe Schools Coalition Australia and its work to create positive change for same-sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, school staff and families."
Resource Directory of LGBTIQA+ services, organisations and community groups
Victorian Pride Centre maintains a comprehensive online resource directory which contains information about LGBTIQA+ focused services, organisations and community groups in Melbourne. Search results can also be filtered by an area (select “Metro North” for search results in or close to Darebin).
More information
Email: diversity@darebin.vic.gov.au
Find the Rainbow in Melbourne's North
In conjunction with Merri-bek, Yarra and Banyule City Councils, we have developed a map of LGBTIQA+ groups and networks as well as LGBTIQA+ friendly services across Melbourne' north.
If you have concerns about a place that has been included or if there is a group or service that you think should be included in the map, please email us.