Banners and ANMF (Vic Branch) staff at the 2023 Pride March
This Sunday 17 May 2026 marks the 36-year anniversary of the day the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its classification of diseases.
While it has been more than three decades since this landmark decision, many people in the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face discrimination, stigma, and barriers to safety, including within healthcare settings and workplaces.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is a global moment of solidarity and action, now recognised in over 155 countries. It is a day to stand against discrimination and reaffirm the fundamental right of every person to live, work, and access care with dignity and respect.
At the ANMF, IDAHOBIT holds particular significance. Our members are advocates, caregivers, and trusted professionals who support people at their most vulnerable. Creating inclusive, safe environments for patients, residents, and colleagues is central to our professional values and our collective work.
The theme for 2026, “At the heart of democracy,” reinforces that fairness, inclusion, and collective action are central to both strong communities and strong workplaces. As a union, this aligns with our commitment to stand together to challenge discrimination and build safer, more inclusive environments for all members.
In 2026, IDAHOBIT remains important because discrimination still impacts the health, wellbeing, and safety of LGBTQIA+ people, including healthcare workers. Evidence highlights the scale of this issue:
- 45% of LGBTQIA+ people report feeling less than respected
- 1 in 2 trans and gender diverse (TGD) people have experienced trans-related discrimination from a healthcare professional.
- 1 in 3 TGD people delay seeking healthcare due to fear of discrimination.
Many nurses, midwives and carers also experience bias, assumptions, or concerns about being open at work. A genuinely inclusive workplace is essential for staff wellbeing and for delivering safe, high-quality care. As a union, we have a role in supporting our members to feel safe, respected, and empowered at work.
IDAHOBIT is not only for those who identify as LGBTQIA+. It is also a call to action for allies to listen, learn, and speak up when we see discrimination. Small actions, including respectful language, visibility, and support contribute to safer workplaces and better outcomes for everyone.
On Sunday, we recognise IDAHOBIT and reaffirm our commitment as a union to equality, inclusion, and advocating for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of all nurses, midwives and carers.
