Aidan Curtis
AN ACT of vandalism targeting rainbow flag decals at the ac.care Family Relationship Centre has left a sour taste in the mouths of LGBTIQA+ community members.
Two rainbow flag decals, along with Minus 18 “Welcome Here” stickers, were ripped from their spots on the exterior of the FRC, sending a clear message to LGBTIQA+ people.
ac.care family services practitioner Astrid Victory said it was disappointing to see the stickers removed when creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone was an important part of what the organisation does.
“This act of vandalism opened an important discussion amongst staff of why actions such as putting up posters and flags are important so all people can feel safe when accessing our services,” Ms Victory said.
“ac.care wants to be welcoming to all people who need our services and these flags and other imagery shows all people are welcome and ensures people from communities who do experience discrimination see images they connect with.”
Ms Victory said as a member of the LGBTIQA+ community, it was heart-breaking to see how the act of vandalism could threaten the feeling of comfort and safety for herself and others visiting the FRC.
“I’m proud of the work ac.care has done towards making our offices feel safe and inclusive for all people and to have that vandalised shows we still have work to do towards equality and championing respect,” she said.
In response, ac.care has moved to replace the rainbow flag stickers with the progress pride flag, but sourcing the stickers and exploring techniques to reduce future vandalism have delayed the installation.
LGBTIQA+ community group Limestone Coast Connect (LCC) said having the stickers ripped down was an obvious message about inclusivity and safety in Mount Gambier.
LCC chair Patrick Smith said it was important for LGBTIQA+ people to know they are loved and accepted for who they are.
“We are an open, welcoming and inclusive community and we want to make sure that is visible and shown to everybody.,” Mr Smith said.
“With that, having the visibility of the rainbow flag being shown indicates it is a space where they can go.”
Mr Smith said ac.care’s response to the vandalism was “commendable”.
“It was a specific target as it was just the rainbow flag taken down – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were left untouched,” Mr Smith said.
“[ac.care] is showing by example that you just brush it off, continue on, you go be better and you go the next step further.
“And you don’t kowtow to these people that want to rip it down.”
The new progress pride flag decals are expected to be installed in the place of the removed rainbow flags on Thursday, February 2.
