Celebrating IDAHOBIT at Auburn High School – The Power of visibility, advocacy and allyship
On Monday May 19th, Auburn High School proudly celebrated IDAHOBIT: the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex discrimination and Transphobia. While the official day fell on Saturday, we were determined to mark the occasion together as a school community. And what a vibrant, affirming day it was!
Our school was filled with colour, joy and meaningful action. Headspace joined us in making pronoun keychains, students and staff alike had their nails painted in rainbow colours at lunchtime, and our staff proudly wore rainbow accessories to signal their support. The Wellbeing Team covered the school in posters that celebrated diversity and reinforced Auburn as a safe and welcoming environment for all students, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.
But beyond the fun and festivity, IDAHOBIT reminds us of something much deeper: the importance of using our voices to support and protect those who are too often made to feel invisible. For many LGBTQIA+ young people, school is not always a safe space. Discrimination, casual slurs, and a lack of visibility can contribute to feelings of isolation. At Auburn High School, we are committed to standing against that.
Creating a culture where every student feels safe, seen and supported requires all of us. It means listening to marginalised voices. It means standing up against prejudice when we see it. It means wearing a rainbow lanyard, joining the Fruit Salad Club, or simply using respectful, inclusive language. These small actions send a powerful message: you belong here.
This year’s IDAHOBIT celebration was a vibrant reflection of our DARE values of Diversity, Aspiration, Respect and Excellence in action. When students see themselves reflected in their school’s values and supported by their teachers, peers, and wider community, they are empowered to be their full selves. That is the foundation of both wellbeing and learning.
To everyone who participated, thank you for showing what allyship looks like. When we show up for one another, we create a school and a society where everyone has the right to feel proud, safe, and valued every single day.
31 May World No Tobacco Day
This health awareness day created by the World Health Organisation reminds us of the dangers of using tobacco and e-cigarettes. They are highly addictive. The chemicals and nicotine in them can cause lung damage, heart disease and cancers and harm the brain development of children and teenagers.
Parents, carers, schools, and community all play an important role in protecting children and young people from, and educating them about, the harmful effects of smoking and vaping. Research from VicHealth shows that young people care about what their parents, carers and older siblings think and do about vaping.
Some tips on how you can talk to your young person about smoking and vaping:
- Start with information and key facts.
- Approach it calmly.
- Don’t make assumptions. Avoid making accusations.
- Avoid judging or lecturing. Consider questions like: ‘how did it make you feel?’ And ‘what made you want to try?’
- Focus on health and explain your concerns.
You can also view this video https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/ on smoking and vaping from experts at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for health advice and tips for starting a conversation with young people.
Other services that can provide you with information or advice about include:
- Quitline org.au 13 78 48
- Parentline 13 22 89
- Headspace
- AHS Wellbeing Team
(Adapted from Smoking and vaping: Advice for parents | vic.gov.au, May 2025)
Penny Hsiao
Health Promotion Nurse
