The Department of Human Services (DHS) embraced yesterday’s (17 May) International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), encouraging staff to wear rainbow colours to work and join their lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) workmates in morning teas and other celebrations.
General Manager of Smart Centres, Indigenous and Intensive Servicing at DHS, Jen Rufati, who is the Department’s lesbian, gay, bi and trans and intersex (LGBTI) champion, said IDAHOT was an important day.
“It is a day to raise awareness of the discrimination the community still faces globally,” Ms Rufati said.
“We are one of the largest Australian Government Agencies employing more than 35,000 staff across the country, so it’s important that it is a place of work that’s accepting of all people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.”
She said the theme for this year’s IDAHOT was Alliances in Solidarity.
“Executive Champions are just one of the many initiatives we employ to promote diversity as part of our Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and LGBTI plan,” Ms Rufati said.
“A suite of resources is available to staff, including inclusive language guides, online training and short-term counselling.”
She said the Department had a strong LGBTI network that let members share their ideas, engage and inform the Department on initiatives and strategies relevant to LGBTI people.
Chris Lusham (pictured) who works in the Department’s Liverpool Smart Centre in NSW, said the support from colleagues he talked to in the network had been incredible.
“It’s a space where we feel comfortable to be ourselves,” Mr Lusham said.
“To support IDAHOT I encouraged staff in Liverpool to wear rainbow colours to work and arranged a morning tea where LGBTI staff and allies came together to celebrate,” he said.
“If people can be themselves and feel safe at work, they will perform better and make a more productive contribution to the workplace.”
