As part of the City of Greater Geelong’s celebrations for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Deni Todorovič AKA ‘Style by Deni’ will be a guest speaker at a free community event on 17 May 2022.
The City will partner with WorkSafe, Barwon Health, Wellways, TAC, Victoria Police, Queerspace and Geelong Rainbow Inc. in presenting the event, which includes a discussion panel formed to address the topic: ‘Success, Courage, Pride and Overcoming Adversity’.
Geelong’s own Deni Todorovič is a vocal activist for queer and human rights, and advocates around topics of gender, sexuality, politics, race and equality.
Deni is non-binary and presents themself as a neutral combination of gender expressions, supporting inclusivity and encouraging inclusive language.
City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor, Councillor Trent Sullivan, said the day was a good opportunity for the City to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“There is no place in our community for any form of discrimination and that includes discrimination based on gender or sexuality,” Deputy Mayor Sullivan said.
“It’s integral that everyone feels they have a voice and are free to express themselves as valued members of our community.”
Chair of the Diversity, Inclusion & LGBTIQ+ portfolio, Councillor Sarah Mansfield, welcomed the occasion and agreed there is still work to be done in opposing discrimination of any kind, specifically based on gender and sexuality.
“The opportunities to promote equality and visibility, education and understanding are important for all members of the community to consider,” Cr Mansfield said.
“We can all play a role, whether that involves pulling friends up on discrimination or listening, learning and educating others.
“Our hope for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community is that they will see real signs of change.”
Tickets will be available on Eventbrite but limited to just 100 people, with those unable to attend in person able to view the event via a livestream. The event will also involve an Auslan interpreter.
The event is being held at WorkSafe Geelong and runs from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
Links for tickets and the livestream will be made available to the public closer to the date.
Featured Image: Deni Todorovič AKA ‘Style by Deni’. Image courtesy of City of Greater Geelong.
