An Adelaide school’s decision to recognise IDAHOBIT Day with a student-led inclusion event has sparked backlash from a group of parents, setting off a fresh debate around LGBTQIA+ awareness activities in Australian schools.
Reynella East College, located in Adelaide’s south, informed families that students would be invited to wear rainbow accessories alongside their uniforms as part of activities connected to the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, widely known as IDAHOBIT.
The school said the initiative was designed to promote inclusion and ensure students feel “safe, supported and valued” regardless of identity or background. The event was planned ahead of the global awareness day observed annually on May 17.
However, the announcement quickly drew criticism online after local activist and parent Luke Poulton shared the school notice on social media and publicly opposed the initiative.
Poulton, who has previously campaigned on issues including local environmental concerns and opposition to what he describes as “woke ideology,” said his children would not participate in the event. He also confirmed plans for a peaceful protest outside the school before classes began on May 13.
According to comments reported locally, Poulton argued younger children should not be exposed to discussions around gender identity and sexuality at an early age. He said protesters intended to remain outside school grounds and avoid disrupting students during the demonstration.
The situation has once again highlighted growing tensions across parts of Australia over how schools approach diversity, inclusion and LGBTQIA+ education programs.
IDAHOBIT has become a widely recognised awareness campaign in schools, workplaces and sporting communities across Australia. Organisers encourage participants to wear rainbow colours, host inclusion activities and promote conversations around discrimination and bullying affecting LGBTQIA+ people.
The campaign traces its origins to May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization officially removed homosexuality from its classification of mental disorders. Supporters say the annual observance plays an important role in helping young people feel accepted and safe within their communities.
On its official campaign website, IDAHOBIT organisers state that visible acts of allyship can have a meaningful impact on LGBTQIA+ youth wellbeing. The campaign also provides schools and workplaces with educational resources, inclusion toolkits and training materials.
The South Australian Department for Education clarified that schools are not required to participate in IDAHOBIT events, though individual schools are permitted to recognise days of social or cultural significance.
The latest dispute follows similar protests in Adelaide last year when a small group of anonymous parents objected to IDAHOBIT activities at a local children’s centre.
Debates around inclusion programs in schools have intensified globally over the past two years, particularly around topics involving gender identity, sexuality education and parental involvement in curriculum decisions. While supporters view these events as essential anti-bullying initiatives, critics argue schools should take a more limited role in discussions surrounding identity politics.
Despite the backlash, IDAHOBIT events are expected to take place across hundreds of Australian schools, businesses and community organisations this week.
For many students and educators, the day remains focused on a simple message — creating environments where every young person feels respected and safe regardless of who they are.
Learn more about the official campaign through the IDAHOBIT website.
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