Posting a note for change

Showing Generation Y is keen to put in the hard yards for change, members of queer youth support group Minus 18 are busying themselves for International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on May 17.

In what’s expected to be the biggest show of public opposition to homophobia and transphobia in Victoria yet, several well-known local heroes are expected to get behind the message.

Minus 18 co-convenor Micah Scott said the group would make posters and postcards to display around Melbourne and in schools in the week leading up to IDAHO.

“We’re going to use commonly said phrases about members of the GLBTIQ community, and look at it from another angle,” he told Southern Star.

“So the posters will say things like, ‘When are you going to tell your parents you’re straight?’ and ‘We don’t mind if you’re straight, as long as you don’t flaunt it’. ”

Scott said the message was about showing the wider straight community that homophobia is still a problem.

So far the group is relying on money from past fundraising events to complete the project, but hopes more funding can be generated to print more posters and postcards.

“The more money we can raise, the wider we can make the campaign, especially in schools,” Scott said.

He also hinted a flash mob might be on the cards for the youngsters on the day, so keep your eyes peeled on Melbourne’s streets.

IDAHO organisers in Victoria are keeping tight-lipped about who will be involved in the day, but have hinted support may come from some surprise quarters.

This year’s IDAHO theme, Speaking about Silence: Homophobia in the Sports World, hopes to spark a global discussion on homophobia in sport and the way inclusion can have a positive impact on all sporting lives.

info: Visit www.homophobiaday.org