Sexuality education should always include same sex attraction into discussions about sex and relationships. There are plenty of chances to include positive discussions of diverse sexuality within learning areas. These kind of experiences can make same sex attracted people feel uncomfortable, or not included. Avoid asking questions like ‘do you have a boyfriend?’ to girls, and ‘do you have a girlfriend?’ to boys. Try not to assume that you know anyone’s sexuality on the basis of how they look or behave. Avoid assumptionsĬhallenge the common assumption that everyone is heterosexual. Keep a bullying record that specifies whether discrimination on the basis of sexuality, or other forms of discrimination, were involved. Use the audit tool from Safe Schools to assess the frequency of homophobic incidents, and use of homophobic language in your school. Take noticeĮncourage those who know about bullying to report it. Have discussions with students about the derogatory use of the word gay and the impact this has on those who are gay.
Remind students that sexuality is not visible and that their homophobic remarks may be offensive to others whether or not they are aware of it. Create a more inclusive school culture Raise awarenessĮnsure that the whole school community understands what homophobic bullying is, and how the school plans to prevent it. Once students realise why this behaviour is not tolerated, you will find it much easier to deal with. This could include discussions with students and consequences for their actions.
Make sure that homophobic behaviour and/or language is one of the things you consistently address.
AM I GAY TEST STUPID HOW TO
How to challenge homophobic languageĪs a parent or teacher, you will have your own strategies for dealing with unacceptable language, derogatory comments, or put-downs. Challenging this language is essential to creating a school environment where everyone can be themselves and feel safe and supportive. Although students may not be meaning to be homophobic, for students or staff who are same sex attracted, this language can have a negative impact, and be experienced as homophobic. Use of the word ‘gay’ as a synonym for stupid or rubbish can be ignored because it is not seen as intentionally homophobic. Sometimes this language is perceived as harmless, because it is not being used in a direct way to attack a particular student. Most students and staff in Victorian schools will frequently hear homophobic remarks, including use of the word ‘gay’ in a negative or derogatory way e.g. Challenge homophobic language and behaviour Where there is a culture of ignoring homophobia, the whole school community - staff, students, and families can experience negative outcomes. The research also shows that students who experience homophobia are much more likely to miss classes, or drop out of school altogether.įor those witnessing homophobic bullying, or the use of homophobic language, it can be unclear what to do, or how to respond. Experiences of homophobia can increase the risk of self-harm, suicide, drug and alcohol use. The impact of homophobia has real consequences on the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of students.
According to the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 it is against the law to discriminate in education or to harass a student at school on the grounds of their actual or assumed sexual orientation, or because of the sexual orientation of their parents, friends, or family. Why tackle homophobiaĪll students have the right to feel valued for who they are and included as part of the school community. When asked where they were when this took place, 80 per cent said it was at school (Writing Themselves in 3, Hillier et al, 2010). Research in Australia found that 61 per cent of same sex attracted young people have experienced verbal abuse and 18 per cent have experienced physical abuse, on the basis of their sexuality. Homophobic bullying, like any kind of bullying, can include physical violence, name calling, put downs, ‘jokes’, sexual harassment, threats or damage to property, social exclusion, or online bullying. In 2010 only 19 per cent of same sex attracted students reported that their school was supportive of their sexuality. Homophobic bullying can include physical violence, name calling, 'jokes', sexual harassment or online bullying.īullying on the basis of sexuality is a common experience for young people who are same sex attracted or for those who may not behave according to gender stereotypes.Īround 10 per cent of our school communities experience feelings of same sex attraction, or identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.