For the first time, a sea of rainbow flags have been raised across Victoria on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
The Victorian Parliament and all the state's local government areas have raised the rainbow flag in honour of the queer community today.
IDAHOBIT aims to raise awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community by creating local connection, understanding, and empathy.
Kristton (surname withheld to protect her identity) is one of the only visibly trans women in the Murray River town of Mildura in regional north-west Victoria.
"As a rainbow person, seeing my trans flag is such a powerful thing," Kristton said.
"I don't think women and guys, or cisgender [people], understand the power of pride, and that's where a lot of issues in society inclusion happens."
Kirstton said there was a need to build an inclusive society.
"No person, no matter their gender, should feel threatened or feel as if they're rebelling against society just to be themselves," she said.
"Society has very little value if it's not inclusive for everyone."
Kristton said her house was shot at by an unknown assailant after coming out as a trans woman.
"When I tell anyone about the violence that I have experienced, they tell me, 'Well, you have to expect that in the bush. You bring that upon yourself,'" she said.
"That's wrong. I shouldn't have to expect violence every time I go out."
Kristton says being trans "doesn't define who I am".
"I'm a punk at heart … You have to be," Kristton said.
"Being punk at heart has nothing to do with the music you listen to … it's to be creative, to inspire, to love, and to f*** shit up."
Power of pride
In a tweet, Sean Mulcahy, co-lead of the Victorian Pride Lobby's local government campaign, said it was the first time Australia, and indeed the world, had seen the rainbow flag raised on such a scale.
He says it is important now more than ever to make the gesture to extend support and connection to the LGBTQIA+ community.
"We know that people in the LGBTQIA+ community have higher rates of mental distress," Dr Mulcahy said.
"And that is not because they are LGBTQIA+. It's because of the stigma still attached to this day. So, raising the flag is really important."
In early May, the Monash City Council chose to cancel a drag queen storytime event after receiving repeated threats against those involved.
Storytime events hosted by drag queens are about teaching young children reading and learning skills in a fun and safe environment.
Dr Mulcahy says since then, some councils have been exercising caution about what information is put out on social media and in public on LGBTQIA+ events.
"It's really unfortunate to see the attention that's turned on these particular events," he said.
"I'd really encourage councils to stand by the community, to support the community, and to ensure these events do go ahead.
"When these events are cancelled, it sends a very concerning message to the community, and it further emboldens those who would seek to oppose inclusion within the community."
More than a 'symbolic gesture'
An Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report from 2020 to 2021 reveals anxiety disproportionately affects the LGBTQIA+ population.
The report shows 44.7 per cent of people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, pansexual or queer reported an anxiety disorder.
Comparatively, 17 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 85, who did not align themselves with the LGBTQIA+ community, reported an anxiety disorder.
Senior lecturer in cultural studies at the University of Melbourne, Hannah McCann said last week's federal budget included a 10-year mental health plan "grounded in evidence" from a pride committee.
She said it was important for the government to deliver on the promise of gender clinics and ensure that support for the queer community was not just "a gesture".
"Those symbolic things need to go hand in hand with very material things," Dr McCann said.
"[Including] appropriate health services, appropriate mental health services, enough gender clinics funding for research on LGBTQIA+ communities, and wellbeing."
University of Melbourne gender studies lecturer CQ Quinan said there was "more work to be done beyond displaying the flag".
"I want to make sure it doesn't stop there," Dr Quinan said.
"We need to look at how the structures that we inhabit and the systems that we all participate in.
"And, I think, it impacts people at the level of employment, housing, access to social services and care."
Dr Quinan said flying the pride flag in all Victorian local government areas could contribute to creating a sense of community and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
"It's symbolic of recognition, of being seen for who we are, and of that being celebrated."
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is on May 17.
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