Provost's message
This Friday, the 17th of May, is IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination. This date commemorates the anniversary the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990. Prior to this, homosexuality was classified globally as a mental illness.
South Australia played a significant role as the first Australian state to fully decriminalise homosexuality in 1975; however, as recently as 1997, being gay was illegal in some parts of the country and until just five years ago same-sex marriage was not recognised. While we have certainly come a long way in the advancements of LGBTQIA+ equity, the reality is that these milestones are in the very recent past.
With this in mind, IDAHOBIT has two main purposes:
1. To celebrate the pride and allyship of the people who have worked to build equality around the world
2. And to raise awareness of the discrimination LGBTQIA+ people still face today.
At the University, it provides an opportunity to reinforce our commitment towards building an inclusive environment. It is vital that our campuses are a safe and inclusive space for all members of our community to study and work. All of us have an obligation to behave in a way that enhances wellbeing and fosters a respectful learning and working environment.
Join the ALLY Network and Pride Club this Friday between 11 am and 2 pm in Hub Central at the North Terrace campus to celebrate with food and free activities.Colleagues will also celebrate at the Waite campus (lower ground floor, McLeod House) on Friday 17 May from 12–1 pm, and at the Roseworthy campus Hub on Wednesday 15 May from 12–1 pm.
As well as a time to demonstrate your support, these events also give the opportunity to initiate conversations, share experiences, learn from each other, and listen without judgement. Further opportunities will present themselves during Pride Month in June, with activities that recognise and celebrate diversity in sexuality and identity, and promote equal rights for all.
Together, let’s celebrate the diversity we are so lucky to have within our University.
Professor John Williams AM
Provost