Young hearts in the right place
thing that wasn't just emotionally beautiful but that would also have a big effect.”
He wanted to assure others they weren’t alone in feeling lonely.
“It's a cliche in some ways, like something you might see on a motivational poster and just ignore,” he said. “But when it has context with someone’s own experience, it’s amplified.”
And he said the speech was also about being true to himself and his beliefs.
“By taking a stand, I feel I have the courage and determination to accomplish things that will help others accomplish better things and that I now know I can help provide for the betterment of my community,” he told the assembly.
Jami Jones of the Geelong Adolescent Sexuality Project, emphasised Jye’s choice to reveal his sexuality in such a public manner was a very personal one.
“No one can tell you when or how to come out, but Jye obviously felt really well supported . . . you can’t control how others respond, so it was a nerve-racking thing to do,” she said. Jye said the love and acceptance of his school mates that had given him courage. “They are some of the most beautiful people.” GEELONG students lead the way in the struggle to promote gender equality and stand up against homophobia.
Seven student-led Stand Out groups have been developed at schools across the region since 2013, as young people rally to the cause.
GASP support worker Jami Jones said the groups aimed at create supportive and safe learning environments for all — regardless of gender, identity, expression or sexuality.
“Most young people who are discriminated against experience over 80 per cent of that discrimination at school. It’s where they’re spending the most time, but also being harassed most,” she said.
“We (GASP) go into schools and introduce the idea of the Stand Out group at assembly by giving the message that we all deserve to feel safe and welcomed, and that by making a stronger, more inclusive community we all benefit. Young people really respond to that.”
Groups exist at Bellarine Secondary senior campus, two campuses of Northern Bay, Matthew Flinders, North Geelong Secondary, Newcomb Secondary and Geelong High.