Council is committed to recognising, celebrating and observing dates of LGBTIQA+ significance. Events and programming across the municipality are coordinated annually to acknowledge the impact and contribution of our diverse rainbow community.
IDAHOBIT
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is recognised internationally on May 17 each year.
Founded in 2004, this day aims to raise awareness of violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people. In recent years IDAHOBIT has become the Day Against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination to specifically include those who identify as queer and asexual.
Supporting and promoting IDAHOBIT means strengthening human rights for everyone and taking a stand against violence, discrimination, and oppression toward the rainbow community.
In Maribyrnong, we stand united in our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming city for LGBTIQA+ people.
Each year, Council raises the Pride Flag for IDAHOBIT and invites community to join together for its message of anti-discrimination and inclusion.
For more information about how to celebrate IDAHOBIT in your community or workplace, visit the IDAHOBIT website.
Select any of the images below to enlarge.
2025 IDAHOBIT
2024 IDAHOBIT
2023 IDAHOBIT
Footscray Library Pride Mural
The installation of the Footscray Library Pride Mural is the first such iteration of Pride Flag public art in the city of Maribyrnong. A collaboration between Council and the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, this project sees another vibrant addition to Council’s StreetWORKS program.
Produced by Grace Dlabik, director and founder of BE.ONE Creative, an artistic business supporting gender diverse and First Nations creatives, the Pride Mural was installed in January 2025 on the north wall of Footscray Library. A striking example of one of the largest Pride Flag murals in Australia, the vivid colours call to and affirm the many identities that are folded into the LGBTIQA+ community.
A celebratory installation event was held on January 30 2025, drawing over forty guests representing community, Councillors, Advisory Committee members, local service providers and library patrons, with a show-stopping performance from drag artist Valerie Hex.
Love Your West with Pride
During the Midsumma season the streets and gateways of Maribyrnong display the vibrant banners of the Love Your West with Pride campaign.
Building upon Love Your West, championing our local businesses, Love Your West with Pride encourages our community to do just that! Maribyrnong is home to an array of LGBTIQA+ businesses, community groups and leaders that champion rainbow inclusion every day.
Love Your West with Pride is a celebration and recognition of the LGBTIQA+ community members and institutions that make Maribyrnong a fabulous place to live, work and play. Check out your local and Love Your West, with Pride!
Signing the Darlington Statement
On February 15 2024, Maribyrnong City Council became the third Australian Council to sign the Darlington Statement; affirming our commitment to advancing the needs of the Intersex - or people born with variations of sex characteristics - and the wider LGBTIQA+ community. Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam signed the Darlington Statement, fulfilling Maribyrnong Council’s promise to stand in solidarity with Australia’s Intersex community.
The Darlington Statement was developed in 2017 by Intersex organisations and advocates, articulating human rights in Australia and New Zealand. Maribyrnong Council joins only a handful of Australian LGAs in affirming this Statement, cementing our commitment to hearing and advancing the needs of the Intersex and wider LGBTIQA+ community.
For more information you can read the Darlington Statement and see its signatories on the InterAction website.