I am currently in year 12 completing my HSC at a public school in the Lower Blue Mountains. I have been here since year 7, now having the honour of being one of the school captains.
During these years I have been able to experience the work of the Safe Schools coalition first hand.
Throughout my public education, I recall being taught the importance of inclusion and respect. These issues varied from “what to do if your friend is being bullied” to ending racial discrimination and having a positive body image.
I credit and thank this multi-faceted approach to anti-bullying for the relatively positive school experiences my peers and I have had. However, issues surrounding sexuality and gender diversity remained almost completely avoided. Perhaps it was deemed taboo. Or too controversial. However, being gay myself, I can testify to this being distressing, confusing and isolating.
In early primary school we learnt about different types of families but they never had two mums or two dads. Regardless of views towards same-sex parenting, it is a reality in Australian society that was blatantly hid from us.
While others were learning more about themselves, physical education failed to present me with even the suggestion that two people of the same sex could have a relationship. Compulsory scripture condemned those who were gay or lesbian. Not one book, movie, article or lesson included people who were not heterosexual.
The majority of same-sex attracted and gender diverse students in Australian schools have experienced verbal and/or physical abuse due to their sexuality or gender. I have experienced first hand students bullied on the basis of their sexual orientation. I have spoken to students distressed because they are afraid of what might happen if people find out they are gay due to the lack of acceptance amongst their friends and/or family. I have met gender diverse students who told me of the emotional tolls school polices regarding uniform played on their mental health. This is an area which has long been demanding a response.
Safe Schools exists to make schools more safe and inclusive for students who are same-sex attracted and gender diverse. At my school, this has involved student audits, staff training and general resources to the benefit of our school community.
It is working to make sure our school is a place where everyone can focus on their education, a place where the physical and mental well-being of all students is valued.
At our school, I can see changes through the conversations I have had with staff and students. I am seeing phrases such as “that’s so gay” challenged by others, as well as the rollout of new PDHPE resources that will take the health of all students seriously.
I would also like to debunk the idea that Safe Schools poses a threat. Suggesting that children may be “converted”’ to being gay or transgender is ludicrous. Disagreeing with the program because of religious or homophobic ideologies reflects selfishness, prejudice and discrimination. It is suggesting the education of straight students should trump that of others.
My deepest gratitude is with the work of the Safe Schools coalition, their staff and their funding partners. My support is with this program and the school communities it is positively impacting. Most importantly, my empathy is with students.
The Safe Schools coalition is in line with the hearts and minds of the staff and students at my school. Change is coming.
