Katoomba celebrates diversity
The rainbow flag will be raised in Katoomba for the third year in a row in support of International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on May 17.
Mayor Daniel Myles said participating in IDAHO was an important acknowledgement by the Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) that homophobia was not acceptable and that LGBTI residents in the mountains are recognised and respected.
“IDAHO is an important opportunity to emphasise the need to stand strong in the face of discrimination and violence towards the gay and lesbian community,” Myles said.
“It’s a great opportunity to challenge homophobia and to celebrate diversity. Anyone can get involved and any action, big or small, makes a difference.”
Myles invited the community to attend the flag-raising event in Civic Place, Katoomba from 9am followed by a morning tea. The This is Oz project will have a photo booth at the event.
Musical duo Spiral will sing a song written especially for the flag-raising.
IDAHO marks the day homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organisation in 1992.
The BMCC was one of only three councils in Australia to recognise IDAHO in 2011. The others were Newcastle City Council and the City of Sydney.
INFO: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Proud to be from the mountains :)