Ministers statements: LGBTIQA+ support
Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Education, Minister for Women) (14:12): Today is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and as I have said before in this place, I stand with and beside the LGBTIQ+ children and young people, their families, teachers and staff across all of our schools, not just today but every day. We are investing in Safe Schools as well as LGBTIQ+ organisations like Minus18. Through our $200 million Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu, schools are also doing this great work to make learning environments safer and more inclusive; whether it is putting up rainbow flags or Pride posters, I have seen it across all of our schools. I am really investing in professional development and learning, better supports for LGBTI+ communities and students across our schools, and creating rainbow peer support groups in regional and metropolitan schools. Our schools and so many students are taking on the challenge to give all young people the education and chances they deserve.
I wish I could say the same for those opposite. Rather than supporting inclusivity, all they do is offer tough love and parenting advice stuck in the 1950s, a time when same-sex relationships were taboo, illegal or sometimes even classed as a disease. We know better, Victorian students know better and Victorian teachers know better. Today is the day when we can recommit to standing with and beside LGBTI children and young people, and keeping our schools safe.