Defending gay rights

Australian LGBTI defence personnel from the RAAF Base Williams at Point Cook joined Wyndham residents to raise a rainbow flag for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

DEFGLIS transgender adviser Amy Hamblin took part in the flag-raising as part of the Wyndham City Council’s IDAHO event on May 17.

“Irrational fear, hatred and discrimination of LGBTIQ persons is counterproductive to inclusion and the formation of effective working relationships in the workplace and the community,” DEFGLIS chairman Vince Chong said.

DEFGLIS, the Australian Defence Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Information Service, supports LGBTI service members, personnel and their families.

Wyndham Mayor Kim McAliney said discrimination was still widespread.

“We’ve come a long way in Australia, but unjust laws and unfriendly attitudes mean that discrimination against GLBTIQ people is still widespread,” she said.

RAAF Base Williams is located within the Wyndham Council boundaries.