Equity and Diversity
The AEU is committed to representing the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex [GLBTI] teachers, students and the wider school community. This page aims to educate school leaders, managers, teachers, colleagues, parents and students and to celebrate the diversity of sexuality and gender in our schools and TAFE colleges.
The AEU - ACT Branch has a committee of interested AEU members that meets about once per term. We discuss how to promote equity and diversity in public education and ensure our schools and TAFEs are welcoming, safe environments for all students, staff and families. Find out when the next meeting is on by contacting Cathy Smith, Assistant to the Secretary [Professional].
The AEU-ACT Branch contact officer for equity and diversity issues is Cathy Smith.
Contact: 6272-7900 or email csmith@aeuact.asn.au
Sexuality, Gender and Safe Schools – AEU article, February 2011
Writing Themselves in 3 – the third national study on the sexual health and wellbeing of same-sex attracted and gender questioning young people (2010)
Beyond “That’s So Gay”: Challenging Homophobia in Australian Schools – Daniel Witthaus
Useful Links & Resources:
The AEU Victoria Branch commends and endorses the Pridentity Kit as an important resource for teachers to help address issues of diversity among young people in our schools. This innovative, inclusive program has been developed by students for students and endeavours to highlight issues faced by same-sex attracted and gender diverse youth along with providing information about how parents, teachers and students can act to increase acceptance and social inclusion in our communities.The Pridentity program is an innovative contribution to addressing inclusive sexuality and plays a key role in equipping educators to work with diverse students in fun and engaging ways, offering a clear rationale, lesson plans and resources.
www.glhv.org.au/node/473
How to Support Sexual Diversity in Schools: A Checklist. Making it easier for schools to promote student wellbeing for everyone.
www.safeschoolscoalitionvictoria.org.au
Safe Schools Coalition Victoria (SSCV) aim is that schools in Victoria are places where same sex attracted and gender questioning young people are supported, where every family can belong, where every teacher can teach and every student can learn.
The Pridentity Resource Kit is an inclusive sexuality resource for schools and was developed by Catherine Reidy from the regional health service Women's Health in the North.
www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/divequity/default.htm
Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Supporting Sexual Diversity in Schools - schooling materials and teacher training programmes to addresshomophobic bullying, or Same-Sex Attracted Employees Policy.
US-based Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organisation in the focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.
www.hares-hyenas.com.au
This bookshop in Melbourne has a wide range of resources that can be purchased online – for schools, parents, students.
www.thisisoz.com.au
This Is Oz is an online photo gallery where people can help fight discrimination against Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. Part art project, part human rights campaign, This Is Oz is all about making Australia a place whereeveryone belongs. Includes downloadable posters.
85 Federal laws that discriminated against same-sex couples and their families have been reformed (relating to public office, parenting, the workplace, relationships, social security, finance, health and aging, immigration). Using the ‘reform finder’, you can find out about these reforms and view/purchase t-shirts with images linked to these.
www.rainbowfamilies.org.au
The Rainbow Families Council is a volunteer community organisation based in Victoria, Australia, that aims to ensure equality for rainbow families (parents, partners and prospective parents who identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex, and their children). Includes information sheets and posters.
Twenty10 supports and works with young people, communities and families of diverse genders and sexualities. Includes posters, useful links, videos etc.
www.gendercentre.org.au
Services for people with gender issues, includes resources for people working with gender diverse young people.
Plenty of information for everyone, whether you're heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or just asking questions. Not So Straight is a website specifically built to help young people find information and support about sex and sexuality. Resources and support services.
PFLAG stands for Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays. We are a non-profit voluntary organisation whose members have a common goal of keeping families together.
PFLAG is here to give help, support and information to families, friends of all gay people.
www.comingout.com.au
Coming Out Australia is a support organisation and provides one on one support, information, resources and access to other organisations that help with "coming out". We alsoprovide individual one on one support for families and friends at any time suitable to you.
Began as a campaign against violent attacks on lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Evolved into a lobbying, research, advice, support and information service for community agencies, students, teachers, families.Resources for primary and secondary schools. Links for parents/carers, community workers.
www.rainbownetwork.net.au
Rainbow Network Victoria is for anyone who works with same sex attracted or gender questioning young people in any setting. We provide free resources, training, e-newsletters, networking events, advice and guidance.
ACT specific links:
www.genderrights.org.au
The A Gender Agenda website is intended to be a community hub, and informational resource for transgender, intersex, gender queer and other gender variant people and their supporters. Our organisation intends to provide information and support for individuals, families, government bodies and other institutions.
www.qnet.org.au
Qnet is an online community for gay, lesbian, bi, transgendered and intersex people under the age of 25. It's also a place for their friends, family, teachers, supporters and peers to offer support, get information and make new contacts.
Headspace can help young people who are going through a tough time. Young people aged 12-25 can gethealth advice, support and information from headspace. Based at University of Canberra.
www.aidsaction.org.au
AIDS Action Council of the ACT provides services to the ACT community, aimed at eliminating further transmission of HIV and minimising the personal and social impacts of HIV and AIDS. Includes resources for teachers and students.