Rainbow colours and messages of inclusion have filled Belgravia Leisure venues as teams came together to recognise International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026.
Observed annually on 17 May, IDAHOBIT is an opportunity to stand against discrimination while celebrating diversity, visibility and belonging within communities.
From rainbow-themed fitness events and colourful venue displays to allyship workshops and message walls, venues across the network embraced the day in ways that reflected their local communities and reinforced the importance of creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe and respected.
Group Manager Access & Inclusion at Belgravia Leisure, Damian Gorman, said the response from teams highlighted the important role community venues can play in fostering connection and inclusion year-round.
“IDAHOBIT is an opportunity to visibly show support for the LGBTQIA+ community and reinforce that everyone deserves to feel safe being themselves in our venues,” Damian said.
“We’re proud of the many teams who embraced the day in ways that felt meaningful for their local communities, helping create conversations and a sense of belonging for all.”
WaterMarc rides with pride
At WaterMarc Banyule, the team partnered with Banyule City Council’s Community Impact team to host a Rainbow Ride event featuring a live drag performance by Chloé Cooper.
Following the class, one WaterMarc member shared how experiences of homophobia had impacted their life and reflected that the Rainbow Ride experience left them feeling hopeful for the future physical and mental wellbeing of the queer community.
A rainbow message wall was also at reception where team members and guests shared messages of support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The WaterMarc team also continued their learning beyond the event itself, attending Banyule City Council’s Allyship in Action workshop presented by Queer Town, a queer-led organisation that provides LGBTIQA+ education, allyship training and strategic consultation, helping further strengthen their understanding of allyship and inclusive community support.
MOVE Moonee Valley venues open classes to the community
At Keilor East Leisure Centre and Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, selected group fitness classes were opened to the wider Moonee Valley community, encouraging people to come together and “wear it rainbow” in support of IDAHOBIT.
Knox Leisureworks wall of positivity
Knox Leisureworks embraced IDAHOBIT transforming the venue with rainbow colours and creating a positive message rainbow heart wall that quickly filled with supportive messages from the community over the weekend.
Manning encourages the community to ‘Go Rainbow’
Manning Aquatic Centre Bathurst encouraged the local community to “Go Rainbow Against Discrimination”, promoting free community entry to help raise awareness and celebrate diversity.
Across many venues, teams also shared messages of solidarity through social media, reminding communities that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and proud of who they are.
While rainbow displays and events helped bring visibility to IDAHOBIT, the conversations, education and community connection created throughout the day continue to play an important role in fostering inclusive environments across Belgravia Leisure venues year-round.
Learn more about Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to social inclusion here.
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