Next Wednesday, May 17, Lithgow will host its first ever celebration of International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT Day) at the Lithgow Library Learning Centre in conjunction with the year-old Rainbow Lithgow community group.
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In other words, Lithgow is coming out.
Local librarian Ali Kim decided to create a LGBTQI social group in Lithgow hoping to meet other residents on the ‘rainbow spectrum’.
“I knew there must be a community in town, but I didn’t know where to find them,” she said.
“I put a poster up in Cook Street Plaza and the very same day someone called me to ask if I could refer them to services for their kid who was transitioning,” Ms Kim said.
“I was like, ‘oh, we’re just planning on having coffee together’. But I then knew there was clearly a need for community support.”
- IDAHOT stands for International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia
- Celebrated in 130 countries worldwide
- Rainbow Lithgow is a social group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex residents and allies
Ms Kim spread the word over Facebook and distributed flyers around Lithgow. The group now has over one hundred members and hosts monthly meet ups.
“It started small with only three people attending, around 15 people attended the last meeting. We invite everybody, no matter their sexuality, to come for coffee.”
“All the cafes have been very supportive.”
Ms Kim, who is organising the IDAHOT celebrations at Lithgow Library, said having a more cohesive LGBTQI community in Lithgow motivated her to put on the event.
“There are people who have lived in town for years and never come out openly,” Ms Kim said.
“For them I think celebrating IDAHOT Day shows that they are valued and included.”
Rainbow Lithgow member Rowen Fox said public acknowledgment of IDAHOT will affirm that LGBTQI residents are at home in Lithgow.
“I think for gay people and anybody, the best we can do is aim for visibility and break down barriers and prejudice so people feel like they belong to the community.
“It’s good to look and see your values reflected back to you.”
What is IDAHOT?
IDAHOT stands for International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. It is celebrated on May 17 to commemorate the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization decided to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
It is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, queer and intersex people in over 130 countries worldwide.
What is Lithgow doing for IDAHOT?
For the first time Lithgow will be host to an IDAHOT celebration at the local library, featuring LGBTIQ services, speakers and performers.
What time is it?
Representatives of LGBTIQ services, such as P-FLAG Bathurst and Pink Mountains, will be at Lithgow Library from 3pm. At 4pm there will be a series of speakers and performers, including performer Rhiannon Marshall, the Library Ukulele Group and Lithgow Community Choir. Everyone is welcome and bookings are not required.
