Council to fly the flag for inclusive Noosa

Noosa Council will fly a rainbow flag on May 17 in support of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).

Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie said the gesture affirmed Council’s objective for an inclusive, tolerant and welcoming community.

“Council wants every resident and visitor to enjoy a safe, peaceful experience here in the Noosa Shire,” Cr Wilkie said.

“Noosa is a place where everyone, regardless of ethnic and cultural differences, age, gender, ability, or sexuality, should feel included and valued. This is a key goal of our Noosa Social Strategy.”

Council’s Community Services Director Alan ‘Fox’ Rogers said research Council undertook for the social strategy showed LGBTI people were over-represented among Australians suffering mental health issues and social isolation.

“Raising the rainbow flag – an international symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride and diversity – is a simple gesture but a clear demonstration that this council values diversity and condemns intolerance,” Mr Rogers said.

IDAHOT began in 2004 to shine a light on violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people. The May 17 date was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Cr Ingrid Jackson added: “By recognising the plight of many LGBTI people, we can do our bit to help reverse some of the challenges they, and other minority groups, continue to face.”

“As a welcoming and inclusive place, Noosa joins with the Brisbane City Council and many other local governments across Australia in acknowledging IDAHOT on May 17,” Cr Jackson said.

21 April 2016