IDAHOBIT DAY 

at Staughton College!

Tuesday 17 May was such a wonderfully positive day at school with a great vibe from staff and students. There were lunchtime activities near the canteen celebrating IDAHOBIT Day…. The International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia. In other words, a day to raise awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination against the LGBTIQA+ community.

There was help from lots of students including The YEP (Youth Empowerment Program) students in Year 9, the Radio students, special visitors from Headspace and Melton Youth Services, and of course the Wellbeing Team. The school library also had a colourful display leading up to IDAHOBIT.

We set up outside the canteen and radio room area before lunch, with a buzzing music playlist, and lots of tables set up with loads of rainbow related resources, a pledge to sign, sprinkle bread to hand out, special badges, rainbow pins, and a huge display of rainbow posters, flags and buntings.  There was also a colourful rainbow stripe body paint which was very popular!

The focus was about how we can all be ALLIES… So, what is an ALLY? Someone who doesn’t identify as LGBTIQA+ but shows support for those who do and can stand up for them! 

The simple things an ALLY can do include:

• Refuse to use slurs like “that’s so gay”.
• Support and encourage your friend/s and be there for them in both the good and difficult times.
• Use the correct pronouns – it might take time but that’s ok – as long as you try.
• Stand up and speak out for equal rights.
• Use a person’s preferred name.
• Do what you can to stand up to discriminatory language and behaviour.
• Don’t assume someone’s gender or identity.
• Use gender neutral inclusive language.
• Never “out” someone to others. It is that person’s choice who they tell, not yours.

So many of the staff and students showed their commitment to making a positive difference at our school and in our community to promote understanding.

Be an ally! Show Respect! 

From Josie Mitchell

Secondary School Nurse