Launch of "No To Homophobia" campaign

28 August 2012

On Tuesday 28 August, Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge launched a ground-breaking national campaign against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

Two advertisements will make television history by confronting the hidden homophobia, biphobia and transphobia still present in schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and other public places.

The ads respond to the link between harassment, and its negative health outcomes of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide.

The ads break new ground by featuring real life social situations faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people and were developed with the support of the Collingwood Football Club, Victoria Police and Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School.

Ms Wooldridge said the ads are part of the “No To Homophobia” campaign, which will also include comprehensive online resources and social media to inform people, find support for, and take action against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic harassment.

“The ads call on every member of our community to say no to homophobia at school, in sports, at work and in public’,” Ms Wooldridge said.

The advertisements send the message that harassment is never acceptable and that those who experience and witness it have official avenues of redress, including the Victorian Equality Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the police, which will result in consequences for the perpetrators.

“Just as importantly, I hope these advertisements contribute to frank and fearless conversations about what is required to ensure that no one is left behind and that all Victorians can participate in civil society equally and with confidence.”

“Our challenge is to recognise that everyone has responsibility for taking action on both direct and indirect forms of homophobic discrimination,” Ms Wooldridge said.

The ads are the result of a partnership between the Victorian Department of Health, the ALSO Foundation, Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, TransGender Victoria and the Anti Violence Project Victoria with support from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Headspace and the Human Rights Law Centre.

Further information

For further information, visit the campaign website at www.notohomophobia.com.au.