Gender diversity in faith-based schools doesn’t just affect workers – it affects students too…
Independent Education, the professional journal of the IEU, recently published an article titled ‘Creating safer schools for gender diverse students’ discussing research from the Australian Catholic University, which revealed gender diverse students feel significantly less safe at school than their cisgender peers.
“We know that LGBTQIA+ young people are at risk of poorer outcomes regarding mental health and can face a lot of social stigma and marginalisation which can lead to poor school attendance, so it’s very important for schools to foster safe and supportive environments for them.”
“There is definitely a need for more professional development for school staff in this space, so staff can work out small ways they can try to make school a safer place for gender diverse students, ensuring they feel welcome and involved in the school community.”
However, the study found gender diverse students trusted adults working in schools and other youth-serving spaces to help combat sexual harassment and provide support when students faced unsafe or risky situations.
School leadership, teachers and other staff should make an effort to ensure gender diverse students are specifically and uniquely aware of an adult they can approach when they have a problem.
Establishing a gender and sexuality alliance (GSA) or similar group is a powerful way to ensure LGBTQ+ and gender diverse students feel safe and included at school.
Read the IE article – click here go to (page 14)
LGTBQ+ working in faith-based schools – phone survey opportunity by University of Tasmania.
The University of Tasmania are currently surveying teachers and educations staff about tensions between religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace in Australia. Around 400 people have responded so far, the survey closes end of September. You can read more here:
https://lgbtandreligiousfreedom.com.au
However, the researchers would also like to talk with any LGBTQ+ teachers or support staff. The phone interview will take approximately one hour. Individual information will be completely confidential. Click here to undertake the survey
If you are curious or may be interested in participating or would like to know more, please email Bronwyn Fielder (Bronwyn.moore@utas.edu.au) or phone Douglas Ezzy on 03 6226 2330. Email is preferred. We will send you an information sheet outlining the details of the study.
To participate, email Bronwyn Fielder at bronwyn.moore@utas.edu.au
You can download a survey flyer here.
