Schools and sports groups in Victoria will be told to avoid terms like "mum", "dad", "boyfriend", "girlfriend" as part of a push to curb the dropout and suicide rates of LGBTQI+ people. Photo / 123rf
Schools and sports groups in Victoria will be told to avoid terms like "mum", "dad", "boyfriend", "girlfriend" as part of a push to curb the dropout and suicide rates of LGBTQI+ people. Photo / 123rf
Schools and sporting groups in Victoria will be told to avoid terms like "mum", "dad", "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" as part of a push to curb the dropout and suicide rates of LGBTQI+ young people.
The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network has set up the #SpeakingUpSpeaksVolumes campaign which will bringin unisex bathrooms, non-gendered playing teams and rainbow flags in a bid to be more inclusive.
The Herald Sun reports that the material suggests avoiding "gendered terms" such as husband and girlfriend instead of the non-gendered partner, and mum and dad rather than parent. Students are also encouraged to ask others which pronouns they use.
The network's CEO, Chris Carter, said the campaign "encouraged people to speak up and actively support LGBTQI+ kids".
"When someone is experiencing bullying, silence often feels like indifference, which can create a terrible sense of isolation," he told the Herald Sun.
"The simple act of openly showing support can be a catalyst for great change for the better and it's often the less obvious moments that can be the most impactful to someone's wellbeing."
Students and teachers will be encouraged to ask others which pronouns they use.
One mother, whose 12-year-old son was "gender not sure" in his earlier years before later affirming his gender as male, said the school's support has been crucial in her son's personal growth.
She said there needs to be "support and prevention" so children "don't have their confidence derailed".
Students and teachers will be encouraged to ask others which pronouns they use. Photo / Getty
Elevation Secondary College principal Colin Burke, supported the move, saying homophobia is "detrimental" to their school's student culture.
He told the Herald Sun they were doing more to be inclusive and support those who may be bullied or targeted for their sexual orientation.
"This includes gender non-specific bathrooms and taking down some of the boys and girls signs," he said.
While he wouldn't go as far as banning gender-specific language, he was hoping their improvements would lead to destructive behaviour being called out.
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) • Youthline: 0800 376 633 • Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) • Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 • Samaritans 0800 726 666 • If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
