Motorsport Australia celebrates IDAHOBIT

Wednesday 17 May, 2023

Motorsport Australia is proud to support IDAHOBIT.

Motorsport Australia is proud to support the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

IDAHOBIT was established in 2004 to bring to light the discrimination experienced by the LGBTIQ+ community. Today, 17 May, commemorates the day the World Health Organisation lifted homosexuality from being classified as a mental health disorder.

Motorsport Australia are committed to providing fair safe and socially responsible motorsport for all members of the motorsport community.

Coinciding with this year’s Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, Motorsport Australia partnered with both Racing Pride and Proud2Play to present the Pride in Motorsport event, which brought together a panel who spoke on their experiences in motorsport as members of the LGBTIQ+ community. The event also provided a networking opportunity for those in attendance.

Motorsport Australia Service Star recipient Amy Jane Cranston has recently established the ‘Trans-Sport Rally and Track’ Facebook Group, creating a space for members and allies of the Transgender community to share their passion for the sport and provide a positive social platform and support network.

"I don't see myself as an activist on the streets pushing for anti-discrimination and anti-transphobia but rather using the knowledge gained in my sport of rallying to integrate trans and gender diverse girls and boys into motorsport,” Cranston said.

“The idea being to make these girls and boys feel inclusive and to show the general community that trans and gender diverse people are not that different to them. My experience so far is that the strategy is working.

"This planned day (IDAHOBIT) is not just important to the affected communities but to the whole of the Australian community. Tolerance and acceptance needs to be foremost in the thinking of all Australians.”

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca spoke on the importance of IDAHOBIT Day.

“Motorsport by its nature is a sport that provides equal opportunities to all competitors once they step in the car,” Arocca said.

“So it’s important for everyone involved in the sport to make sure that inclusion and opportunity is readily provided to every member of our community.

“On IDAHOBIT Day we wish to acknowledge the contribution that our LGBTIQ+ members make to our sport, as officials, volunteers and as competitors and in the many other areas of the sport and industry. We stand with the LGBTIQ+ community and affirm our commitment to create a safe and welcoming place for all people, including LGBTIQ+ people.”