LGBTI history lessons push
HOBART student Regan Dwyer may have dealt with homophobia at school, but he believes educating his peers about the historical mistreatment of homosexuals will stop others having to do the same.
The Year 11 student said he had dealt with bullying in the past but was certain a solution would be integrating LGBTI history into Tasmanian school curriculums.
“This generation needs to be more educated around the history of LGBTI issues,” he said.
“So teaching kids the discrimination that has happened over the past decades so that they understand that.”
The Tasmanian Gay Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) has released results from a survey of 344 people asked to rate 30 LGBTI issues, including 22 locally and eight nationally.
The top Tasmanian priorities included: ENSURING LGBTI students have the support for inclusion and participation at schools. PROFESSIONAL development among teachers and health professionals for LGBTI issues. LEGISLATING for a Human Rights Act and protecting the Anti-Discrimination Act. DEVELOPING LGBTI-speci- fic mental health and anti-suicide strategies.
Ahead of the election, Mr Croome, spokesman for the rights group, said he had written to the Liberals, Labor and the Greens, seeking their policies relating to the community’s concerns.
The group has also requested funding for programs that ensure the inclusion of LGBTI students in schools as well as professional development for teachers around LGBTI issues.
“Our election survey showed the top priority for LGBTI Tasmanians was more inclusive schools for LGBTI students and training for teachers to help encourage inclusion,” Mr Croome said.
“All three parties have a good record in this area and I’m glad the Education Department is currently working with groups like Working It Out to ensure schools are safer and more inclusive.
“Bullying and prejudice against LGBTI students is a long-term problem that requires a long-term solution, so we want to see a commitment from all three parties to ongoing funding.”
There will be an LGBTI forum at the Republic Bar on Wednesday at 6pm, featuring candidates for state parliament.