Pride in Schools

By Bonnie Burt - Year 11

Inclusion and Visibility for the LGBTIQA+ Community in Schools

On Tuesday 5 August, Ms Douglas, Ms Kelly, Isla (Year 10), Isabelle (Year 10), Eva (Year 8) and I were given the opportunity to attend the ‘Pride in Schools’ Conference.

Held at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility and hosted by ‘The Y Ballarat’, this ‘Pride in Schools’ Conference was aimed at promoting inclusion and visibility for the LGBTIQA+ community in schools.

Students from a variety of Ballarat schools were represented on the day, including those from Damascus, Mount Rowan, Woodman’s Hill and Phoenix College. 

We all had an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including the design of our own tote bag and the contribution to a Pride mural that will be collated and displayed publicly.

We also heard from numerous guest speakers from such organisations as Ballarat Community Health, Headspace and Ballarat Youth Services. These organisations provide a safe and supportive outlet for students (and other members of the community) and allow them to feel valued, respected and accepted. 

The Conference was extremely informative and insightful, allowing us to grasp a greater understanding of the LGBTIQA+ community. We learned skills to better connect with individuals within this community who are often faced with many challenges.

As a result of participating in this valuable ‘Pride in Schools’ Conference, we now feel better equipped to lead positive changes at Loreto. We hope to provide students and staff with the valuable knowledge, skills and strategies to foster and promote the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community at Loreto College.