A big crowd is expected to turn out in Beechworth to walk in solidarity with LGBTI people who have been struggling with the negative tone of the marriage equality debate.
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The town’s second “diversity walk” will be held on October 8, but organiser Tania Sutton stressed it was not a same-sex marriage march.
It instead follows on from last year’s inaugural event, which was held in response to hateful comments being directed at a gay shop owner.
Ms Sutton said organisers wanted to celebrate diversity of all kinds, including sexuality, religious beliefs, race, disability and political views, but held this year’s event to coincide with the postal survey.
“The reason we are walking in support of our LGBTI community is because we are aware that this debate is having a negative effect on the mental health of our LGBTI community members and we would like to extend our support to them,” she said on the event’s Facebook page.
“We acknowledge that people have views and the right to express views, but we ask if people can refrain from adding any negative commentary to what is intended as an action of peaceful support.”
People on both sides of the marriage equality debate were invited.
Indigo mayor Jenny O’Connor said she would again take part in the walk to send a message that Beechworth welcomed all people.
“There are comments around the postal vote, some which is very negative to the LGBTIQ community, they need to get the message that the community is there and support them,” she said.
“We love them, we care for them and they belong.”
Indigo Council received some backlash after Cr Diane Shepheard told last month’s meeting she wanted councillors to offer support to those impacted by the postal survey.
Cr O’Connor said they had an obligation under the Local Government Act to support their constituents.
“We are expected to and do advocate on issues such as family violence, gambling, support for disability and I don’t think those people would object to us doing that,” she said.
“It’s very important we offer support to our most vulnerable people with mental health issues that’s our LGBTI young people.”
The diversity walk will be held from 11am on October 8, starting from the Quercus neighbourhood centre and head down Ford Street.
