A recent report by Queer Out Here interviewed young people in regional and rural areas of Australia and found that country LGBTQIA+ youth face less acceptance within the communities, isolation and lack of education around different sexualities.

Abbie, a member of headspace Bathurst's LGBTQIA+ group said growing up she didn't know much about same sex attracted and gender diverse people, because she wasn't educated.

"I grew up in a really small town that was all straight people - you had to be straight. It wasn't until I was 14 or 15 that I actually found out about the queer community. I thought it was frowned upon until then," Abbie said.

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When Abbie came out as queer, even though her teacher at school knew, there was no additional information around.

Isobelle Strickland, headspace Bathurst Community Engagement Officer, says there is still much further to go.

She said May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) - is an important day to show the LGBTQIA+ community that we care.

"Showing your support can be as simple as displaying rainbow flags in your window. Or you may want to take further steps by partaking in training with your staff to ensure everyone feels safe and supported when they visit your business."

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