LOVE, understanding, acceptance and transcendence.

They’re the four words Warwick’s LGBT community rallied behind to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

A group of Southern Downs residents gathered in Leslie Park for a colourful celebration of sexuality and gender identity yesterday.

The gathering was organised by Lifeline Personal Helpers and Mentors Program’s Terry Pinney.

Mr Pinney said it was important to mark the international day in Warwick. Quoting the famous John Lennon song Imagine, Mr Pinney said IDAHOT was about acknowledging, affirming and celebrating people’s right to claim their own individual sexuality and gender identification.

“We want to contribute to a community that welcomes diversity, values differences, embraces individuality and where there needs to be safety for all,” he said.

Among the attendees was headspace Warwick manager Sophia McLucas.

Mrs McLucas said headspace was a safe environment for all youths regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected for what their gender identity is,” she said.

The Warwick police also spoke at the event, with Senior Constable Wendy Brooks outlining LGBT support services

Snr Const Brooks said LGBT liaison officers had been in place for a long time.

“I’ve been here for 10 years and they were there well before that,” she said.

Snr Const Brooks said the district’s LGBT liaison officer was based in Toowoomba but could be contacted through the Warwick Police Station.