Salvos commemorate IDAHOBIT Day
- simoneworthing
- 39 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Many Salvos across the Australia Territory commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) last week to support inclusion, welcome and grace to all in our expressions.
Territorial Headquarters at Blackburn (Melbourne) and Redfern (Sydney) hosted chapel services and morning teas last Thursday to observe the day. The official date for the day each year is 17 May.
Other smaller events marking the day were held in various Salvation Army corps and centres around the country.
“Across our movement and in each one of our spaces, it’s essential that we create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or gender expressions,” wrote Colonel Winsome Merrett, Chief Secretary, in the lead-up to the day.
“Our collective commitment to support one another is paramount in combating discrimination, promoting positive health and wellbeing outcomes and growing connection.
“Let’s use this opportunity to strengthen our connections and deepen our understanding of the diverse experiences within our community.”
Blackburn THQ celebration
About 60 people attended the celebration chapel in Melbourne, where staff members reflected on the meaning of the day and its connection to The Salvation Army’s inclusion statement.
Amanda Lennestaal (General Manager – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) read a chapel blessing she had written especially for the day.
“IDAHOBIT Day is a day to stand up against the discrimination and violence experienced by many LGBTIQA+ people across the world, while also celebrating the rich diversity and strengths of the LGBTIQA+ community,” said Nicole Telfer, LGBTIQA+ Specialist – Social Mission and Community Engagement.
“It’s a day to remember that the negative outcomes for LGBTIQA+ people – exclusion from family and faith spaces, discrimination, loss of employment, homelessness – is not because they are LGBTIQA+, but because of the actions of others.
“It’s a day to remember that there is ‘power in communities’ where meaningful, authentic relationships and positive connections with community can buffer against negative experiences to foster positive health and wellbeing outcomes – why wouldn’t we at The Salvation Army want to do this? This is at the core of who we are.”
As part of the service, people were invited, if they chose to participate, to take the flowers they had received upon arrival and weave them into a wreath as an act of remembrance, repair, reconciliation and reflection.
A morning tea followed the chapel service.
Redfern THQ celebration
Major Robyn Pullen led the IDAHOBIT Day chapel service in Sydney. About 25 people attended the service in person, along with about around 40 online. The service was followed by a morning tea.
During the service, Robyn invited two staff members – Stefano Verelli (Research Analyst – Policy Research Social Justice) and Danielle Bowman (Accreditation Specialist – Social, Community Projects and Operations) to share what IDAHOBIT Day meant to them.
“IDAHOBIT is a reminder that while we’ve come a long way, discrimination is still a reality for many LGBTIQA+ people,” Stefano said. “But it’s also a day that shows there are many people willing to take a stand against it.
“Working at The Salvation Army, I’ve seen how genuine inclusion can make a real difference, not just for staff but also for the community members we support. And as someone who’s part of the LGBTIQA+ community, I know firsthand how powerful it is to feel seen, safe and included.
“Being part of IDAHOBIT today, I really hope it sparks reflection and respectful conversations, because that’s where change starts. No matter a person’s background or beliefs, we can all play a part in creating a culture where everyone feels they can be their authentic selves without fear of persecution.
“My hope is that today marks part of a bigger journey toward deeper inclusion across every part of The Salvation Army.”
Among those in attendance was a group from Oasis Youth Services in Surry Hills who shared how they supported the LGBTIQA+ community.
