Every year on May 17, we are called to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, colleagues and peers, but our efforts towards inclusivity cannot and should not be confined to a 24-hour period. This International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we asked the T&W team what it means to them to work in a safe, inclusive space, and explore how we are, and, will continue to create safe workplaces for our community. 


 

"Working in a safe and inclusive space goes beyond just feeling physically secure; it's about being able to bring my whole self to work without fear or hesitation. It's a place where I can feel respected, valued and supported for who I am, regardless of my sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of my identity. Being in such an environment allows me to express myself authentically, knowing that my unique perspectives and contributions are welcomed and appreciated." 
- Kat, Head of Content & Campaigns

 

What is IDAHOBIT?

IDAHOBIT stands for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia. On this day in 1990, the World Health Organisation officially removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, acknowledging that queerness is not a mental disorder. May 17 has since become a day for celebrating LGBTQIA+ people, recognising the histories and ongoing battles for human rights gains, and raising awareness for the ways we can continue to combat discrimination.


 

How you can celebrate IDAHOBIT?

idahobit.org.au and Minus18 have many great resources for hosting an event, starting conversations, undertaking projects to support sexual and gender diversity, and inviting speakers or implementing training programs. These are also great opportunities to fundraise, with 100% of donations through idahobit.org.au going to programs that support LGBTQIA+ Australians. Whether you can or cannot give and your celebrations be big or small, you can use this day as an opportunity to inform yourself on current issues the LGBTQIA+ community face and create a safe space for learning and understanding within your own community.


 

"It's really important that companies are taking action to create and maintain a safe and inclusive workplace experience for LGBTQIA+ folks every day of the year, and not just for a few weeks around Mardi Gras. I'm so grateful that the culture of safety and inclusivity is something we work to uphold every day at T&W. It’s a constantly evolving process from which we are always learning, individually and as a growing community of queer people and allies to the queer community."
- Olivia,  Logistics Manager 

 

How we are making T&W a more inclusive workplace?

Temple & Webster is very proud to have a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee who work to ensure the recruitment, onboarding and greater workplace experience for LGBTQIA+ team members is safe, inclusive, welcoming and positive. We've updated our email signatures with pronoun inclusions across the board and have LGBTQ Awareness workshops being run by Pride in Diversity, with further diversity training in the works for all people leaders. Check out what else is happening in our diversity, equity and inclusion space here. 


 

"Although there are topics that may be off limits at work, identity shouldn’t be one of them. People should be seen as who they are and should feel safe, welcome and celebrated in the workplace. Putting safety and inclusion at the forefront not only allows everyone to feel more positive about turning up to work, but also provides learning opportunities for every member of the team; lending to breaking down our unconscious biases."
- Natalie, Product Manager

 

Why is LGBTQIA+ inclusion important?

Sexuality and gender identity are intrinsic parts of identity and lived experience, and the small ways in which we communicate and move through a largely heteronormative world impact that sense of safety and belonging for the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s not uncommon for LGBTQIA+ employees to hide these parts of themselves in the workplace, and with 77% of trans and gender diverse people reporting being discriminated against in the past 12 months, it’s not hard to see why. Making ongoing changes to create safe and inclusive working environments takes us closer to normalising sexual and gender diversity.