A student is covered in paint after throwing it at a police station in Australia. | Photo: Merri Health
In a colorful show of support for LGBTI people, an Australian police station invited 400 students to decorate it in rainbow colors.
Fawkner Police in the southern city of Melbourne, wanted to do their bit for this year’s IDAHOBIT day. IDAHOBIT is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex-phobia and Transphobia. It’s celebrated annually to promote acceptance and inclusion of sexual and gender diverse communities.
IDAHOBIT is on 17 May this year, but Fawkner Police thought they’d get in early on the action.
Police invited the local students to throw paint-filled water balloons at the station. The aim of the day was ‘to create an explosion of colour and celebration for LGBTI communities’.
Fawkner Police Station got the rainbow treatment this afternoon when hundreds of school kids took part in an explosion of colour in celebration and support of LGBTI communities. 🌈 Check out our video of the full, paint-spattered spectacular tomorrow. #IDAHOBIT pic.twitter.com/W2T6Gy1Esj
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) 30 April 2018
Rainbow love
‘The rainbow artwork will form a permanent 80m (260ft) mural on the police station fence and is a symbolic way for the community, including police, to show that we’re taking a stance against violence and discrimination,’ said Community Engagement Acting Inspector Troy Papworth.
‘Through the mural, police are also hoping to increase confidence and trust between LGBTI communities and police, and encourage everyone to speak to us if they need help.
‘The initiative is also a fantastic way for our young people to tell other young people that they have a right to be proud of who they are. Our youth play an important role in creating safer and more inclusive communities, and ensuring a brighter future for all.’
Paint bombing Fawkner Police Station in all the colours of the rainbow. #IDAHOBIT pic.twitter.com/TdEkmEC3Pe
— Linda van de Wall (@bnwps_linda) 30 April 2018
Local councillor, Oscar Yildiz, from Moreland City Council was on hand to join in on the fun. He even managed to get caught in the cross-fire, finding paint on his shoes the next day.
‘I believe that respect should be demonstrated to all community groups and that of LGBTI persons should be treated with the same level of respect. There are many residents… that experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation/preference,’ he told Gay Star News.
‘It really was fantastic to see so many individuals from various backgrounds and ages representing various organisations to stand up against threats, violence or discrimination.
‘I’m proud of my Council and colleagues for making a stance and engaging in what really was a fantastic initiative. We had a lot fun and the atmosphere was friendly and respectful.’
