ROTHER District Council has marked International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day).

IDAHOBIT Day draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

Rother District Council shows its support for the event held on May 17 each year to commemorate the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental diseases.

On Friday, Rother District Council officers and councillors were joined outside the town hall by staff from Rother Voluntary Action and representatives from Bexhill Primary Care Network, as well as Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance members, to show their support for equality and diversity.

Cllr Sam Coleman, portfolio holder for Wellbeing, Equalities and Age Friendly Communities at Rother District Council, said: “Displaying the Pride and Pride Progress flags is a very visible way of demonstrating our support for the LGBTQ+ community and our continuing recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

“Unfortunately, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community still exists and this is why it is important for us to fly the flag and send a clear message that the council rejects discrimination in all forms.” 

To find out more about local support available, visit the Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance website at www.hrra.org.uk.

Published: 17th May 2024