From Skittles to YUMCHA – supporting our LGBTQIA+ community

Published on 10 May 2024

What’s in a name?

Plenty, as Glenelg Shire Council’s Youth Services team collaborates with local young people and Brophy Family and Youth Services to host a pride flag raising ceremony.

The ceremony is in support of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Saturday, 18 May, from 10am – 11.30am at the Municipal Offices, Cliff St, Portland.

Along with supporting the day, the event will also promote a recent rebrand of the existing LGBTQIA+ Youth Diversity group from Skittles to YUMCHA (Youth United Making Change Against Homophobic Attitudes).

This change brings the Glenelg Shire Youth Advocacy and Support program into alignment with similar LGBTQIA+ programs across the southwest region, including those at Warrnambool City and Southern Grampians Shire.

The flag raising ceremony and pride flag displays across the shire aim to raise awareness of the rebranding whilst demonstrating Glenelg Shire Council’s ongoing support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event and connect in the Portland Library after the ceremony.

Pride flags will also fly at Glenelg Shire Council Customer Service Centres on Friday 17 May in recognition of IDAHOBIT.

For a gold coin donation, you can show your support by colouring up your shoelaces with proceeds going to The Rainbow Shoelace Project – this initiative was started in Broken Hill by now 14-year-old Abbie Jane and distributes free pride-coloured shoelace beads to encourage support for LGBTQIA+ communities.

Caption: Show your support for IDAHOBIT Day by wearing rainbow-coloured shoelace beads.