Today, people around the world mark IDAHOBIT. The aim of the day is draw attention to the many ways in which sexual and gender diverse people are discriminated against and marginalised.

“Australia is like anywhere else in the world – life can be very difficult for people who don’t conform to stereotyped expectations about sexuality and gender. A key way in which such inequality is maintained and legitimised here is through the restriction of marriage rights to heterosexual couples only. On Sunday 17 May in Melbourne, thousands will rally to send a message to the government that this and all other discriminatory laws must be scrapped, and to add their voices to the calls for the ALP to adopt a binding vote on the issue at their upcoming National Conference. It will also draw attention to the array of issues, from formal discrimination to bigoted attitudes, that too frequently blight or destroy the lives of LGBTI people in Australia.”

The day featured speakers, including former teacher and Safe Schools Coalition organizer Mel Gaylard, Transgender activist Elliot Downes and former Greens leader Christine Milne.

I was proud to be apart of the message to Australian politicians in support of marriage equality.