Lithgow Library hosted an afternoon tea on Friday, May 17 to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
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Guests gathered to share their personal stories and experiences, followed by a performance by Lithgow Community Choir and tea time.
This year's IDAHOBIT theme was 'justice and protection for all' which was in recognition that in many places around the world LGBTIQ+ people still face injustice and live in fear and danger.
Nepean Blue Mountains South Western NSW ACON commmunity health promotion officer Tyson Arapali said it was fantastic to see Lithgow Library's support and connection with the community.
"People who aren't comfortable, these events mean a lot to them," he said.
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He said the date of May 17 was also specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation's decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
"May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, we've come so far here in Australia, with a lot of hard work and perseverance we've seen marriage equality," he said.
Pink Mountains Youth facilitator Jonathan Llewellyn also attended the event to give key tips on how people could be less homophobic, transphobic and biphobic.
"The LGBTIQ+ community lives everywhere, it's not just a city thing, today is not a day of celebration, it's a day about a need for change, a need for action, we need to make the world a better place for everyone," he said.
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