This date marks the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Since then, IDAHOBIT has become a global moment to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQIA+ people, and to honour the strength and resilience of our communities in the ongoing fight for dignity, freedom and justice.
This year’s theme, ‘At the heart of democracy’, reminds us that democracy is about more than just institutions or elections. It’s also about whether people are able to live safely, participate openly in public life, and belong in the communities around them. A truly democratic society must make space for people of all genders and sexualities to exist freely and with dignity.
At the University of Sydney, queer postgraduate students are part of a deeply diverse and international community. For many students, experiences of identity are shaped not only by gender and sexuality, but also by migration, culture, language and uncertainty about the future. These intersections can make visibility feel complex, particularly at a time when LGBTQIA+ communities around the world continue to face growing hostility, censorship and exclusion.
As Queer Officer at SUPRA, I believe universities should be places where all students can participate fully and safely as themselves. Building an inclusive campus is not only about representation, but about creating environments where people feel respected, heard and able to belong. If you are queer, you are not alone here. Your presence matters, your voice matters, and your future matters.
This IDAHOBIT, we invite you to be part of the community where dignity, inclusion and equality are at the heart of campus life and democracy itself. Come along to our social afternoon tea event, support each other, and help build a university where everyone can belong.
Terry (Zhihao) Yu
SUPRA Queer Officer
How to get involved
- Join the SUPRA Queer Network to connect with fellow LGBTQIA+ postgrad students and help shape a more inclusive Usyd community.
- Get involved with the Usyd Pride Network – open to all students and staff, this network hosts regular meetings, events and initiatives to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion across campus.
- Join community groups that are fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, like Pride in Protest and Community Action for Rainbow Rights.
As an ally
- Find out more about how to support LGBTQIA+ communities.
Need support?
- You can find a wide range of resources and support services on our LGBTQIA+ resources and support page.
- ACON specialises in HIV prevention, sexual health and support services for LGBTQIA+ adults in NSW.
- TransHub offers a lot of useful information and support services for trans and gender-diverse individuals.
- Twenty10 provides support services for LGBTQIA+ youth and adults, including transitional housing assistance and counselling.
- Australia and New Zealand Tongzhi Rainbow Alliance (ANTRA) offers peer connection and community support in culturally inclusive spaces supporting greater Chinese LGBTQIA+ diaspora communities.
- The Gender Centre offers a range of services for the trans and gender-diverse community, including accommodation and counselling.
Stay in touch with us