IDAHOBIT 2026: Creating Communities Where Every Young Person and Family Belongs

On 17 May, communities around the world mark IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia. It is a day that shines a light on the importance of safety, inclusion and respect for LGBTQIA+ people, while also recognising the role each of us can play in building communities where everyone is able to feel seen, valued and connected. 

At OzChild, IDAHOBIT is more than a day of recognition. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating environments where LGBTQIA+ children, young people, carers, families and staff are welcomed, affirmed and supported to thrive.

For many LGBTQIA+ young people, acceptance can be life changing. Safe and affirming relationships help young people build confidence, identity, connection and hope for the future. When children and young people know they are accepted for who they are, they are better able to focus on learning, relationships, wellbeing and reaching their full potential.

This is particularly important in the child and family services sector, where many children and young people have already experienced disruption, uncertainty or disconnection in their lives. Every young person deserves to know they can bring their whole self into the spaces where they live, learn and receive support.

We also recognise and celebrate the many LGBTQIA+ foster carers, kinship carers, permanent carers and families within our community. Carers play a powerful role in creating homes where children and young people experience belonging, stability and care. Diversity in families is a strength, and inclusive care environments help children and young people see that there are many ways to build loving, supportive and connected families.

As part of OzChild’s broader Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, we are currently progressing toward Rainbow Tick Accreditation, a recognised framework designed to help organisations create safe, inclusive and affirming services and workplaces for LGBTQIA+ communities. 

The Rainbow Tick framework supports organisations to strengthen inclusive practice across leadership, workforce development, service delivery and organisational culture. It reflects an ongoing commitment to learning, listening and embedding inclusion into everyday practice, not just on significant awareness days, but throughout the year. 

For OzChild, this work is part of a broader commitment to ensuring every person feels respected, safe and able to participate fully in our organisation and services. 

Inclusion is not an “extra” alongside the work we do. It is part of how strong relationships, strong families and strong communities are built.

Fair and inclusive communities are created when every person has the freedom to live authentically and participate equally. 

Real inclusion is built through everyday actions:

Small actions can have a powerful ripple effect. Research shared through the IDAHOBIT campaign found that many LGBTQIA+ young people report feeling safer simply by seeing visible signs of allyship and inclusion in workplaces, schools and community spaces. 

At OzChild, we know that when children, young people, carers and staff feel safe to be themselves, everyone benefits. Teams become stronger. Relationships deepen. Communities grow more connected. And young people are better supported to imagine hopeful futures for themselves.

This IDAHOBIT, we stand alongside LGBTQIA+ young people, carers, families and communities in celebrating diversity, championing inclusion and continuing the work of building environments where everyone can belong exactly as they are.