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Student Support

Pip, Rhona and Leah

IDAHOBIT 

This Sunday, 17th May is IDAHOBIT, an internationally recognised day to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ Discrimination. Whilst much progress has been made since the 17th May 1990, when homosexuality was removed from the Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organisation, there is still much to be done.  

 

Today: 

  • LGBTQIA+ people in Australia experience disproportionate rates of bullying, harassment and discrimination. 

  • 2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ youth experience abuse due to their identity. 

  • 35% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months.  

We can all play our part in being supportive, kind and respectful of how we all individually choose to identify.   

 

WHAT IS AN ALLY? 

An ally is someone who supports and advocates for the equal treatment of a community other than their own. If you’re not okay with the disproportionate challenges trans and non-binary people face, it’s time to use your voice and actions and work towards being an ally. 

 

Allyship is also active, and understanding this is an important part of being an ally. “Ally” is not a label you can give yourself, it is something you have to continually work towards.  If you would like a rainbow lanyard, pin or sticker please come and chat to Leah, Pip or Rhona. 

 

HOW TO BE AN ALLY? 

  • DON’T TOLERATE DISRESPECT 

Whether it is hurtful language, remarks or jokes, call it out if it is inappropriate. Seek other allies who will support you in this effort and chat to someone you feel comfortable with, if you have witnessed something you know is not ok. 

 

  • RESPECT PRONOUNS 

Not sure which pronouns someone uses? Just ask! Then use that pronoun and encourage others to do so too. It’s okay if you make a mistake – just be sure to correct and move on.  Interested in a pronoun pin? Chat to Leah, Pip or Rhona – we have loads! 

 

  • BE PATIENT WITH THOSE QUESTIONING THEIR IDENTITY  

A person who is exploring their gender might shift back and forth as they find the pronoun that works for them. Be kind and respectful – this includes being respectful of their name, pronoun and body. 

 

  • UPHOLD CONFIDENTIALITY & RESPECT DISCLOSURE 

If someone has shared their identity with you, it is not for you to share this with anyone else – that is called “outing” and it is not okay.  Not only is it an invasion of privacy, but it can have devastating consequences in a world which can sadly be intolerant of gender differences.  

 

SERVICES, RESOURCES and INFORMATION