Blue Mountains City Council will mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) with a Pride flag raising and free community event on Sunday 17 May 2026.  

The Progress Pride flag will be raised at 9am at Peace Park, Civic Place, Katoomba, followed by a community event from 10am to 12pm at Tibbi Whalan Hall, Katoomba Civic Centre.

The event will feature panel discussions, a photo retrospective, creative activities, and stalls from local organisations, offering a welcoming space for people of all ages to come together in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said Council is proud to stand alongside the community in recognising IDAHOBIT each year.

“Council is proud to support IDAHOBIT and to stand with our LGBTQIA+ community, their families, friends and allies as we reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead,” Cr Greenhill said.

“Flying the Progress Pride flag sends a clear message that the Blue Mountains is a place where everyone is valued, respected and safe, and that discrimination, hatred and intimidation have no place in our community.

“This year’s theme, ‘At the Heart of Democracy’, reminds us that fairness, inclusion and equality are fundamental to a strong and healthy society. We all have a role to play in ensuring every person can live openly, safely and with dignity.”

Council has commemorated IDAHOBIT since 2010 as part of its commitment to fostering an inclusive, healthy and vibrant community, as outlined in its Community Strategic Plan.

IDAHOBIT is observed globally on 17 May, marking the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from the list of mental health disorders.

The 2026 Blue Mountains event is delivered in partnership with local community organisations including Bent Art, Blue Mountains Trans & Gender Diverse Social Group, Blue Mountains Women’s Health & Resource Centre, MOCS Mountains Outreach Community Services, Pick ’n’ Mix Belong Blue Mountains and Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative, with support from ACON and headspace.

Community members are encouraged to attend the free event and take part in this important day of recognition, reflection and celebration.