LGBTQ+ Pride news
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 6, 23 August 2024, page14.
Queensland’s Pride In our Communities plan
The state government recently released Pride in our Communities 2024 – 2032; Queensland’s plan for supporting LGBTQIA+ communities to shine.
This is the Queensland Government’s plan “for a Queensland where diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) communities are connected, celebrated, safe and supported to live authentically and thrive”. While acknowledging positive progress, it also recognises that “LGBTQIA+ people in Queensland continue to face experiences of discrimination, disadvantage, social isolation and loneliness in their everyday lives”.
The document was shaped by the Queensland LGBTIQ+ Roundtable, a group consisting of 17 people who shared their lived experience and expertise to steer the strategy’s development. One of the roundtable members was Dr Kirstine Hand, who presents the Rainbow Matters PD for the QTU’s professional development arm, QuEST.
The document outlines the government’s “shared commitment to create a Queensland that is welcoming, inclusive and truly equitable for all”. It includes Premier Miles’ statement that “Queensland’s commitment to advancing the rights of LGBTQIA+ people is strong, and built on a foundation of transformative legislative and policy changes over many years”.
It recognises that “promoting an inclusive Queensland for the future starts with supporting and educating Queensland’s young people”. It indicates that “We are committed to building a high-quality education system for all Queenslanders,”… as young people “are our future”. It affirms the Queensland Government’s commitment to “support LGBTQIA+ students, their families and staff through creating safe and inclusive learning environments”. Further, it encourages schools to ensure that all young people are engaged in age-appropriate, respectful relationships and consent education that is “inclusive of the diversity of LGBTQIA+ experiences and relationships, through the delivery of the Australian Curriculum”.
This document is consistent with existing DoE policy on supporting the inclusion of LGBTQI+ identifying students and staff: https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/1/atp-safelinks.html
In the words of the Premier: “It is about creating a Queensland where diversity is our strength, where love knows no boundaries and where inclusion is second nature”.
The plan can be sourced here: https://www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/a-new-plan-to-support-lgbtqia-communities-to-shine!
Wear it Purple Day
August 30 is Wear It Purple Day. This is an annual expression of support and acceptance for young members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Established in 2010, each year there are more events across the nation.
Diversity in Queensland schools - fact sheet for students (education.qld.gov.au)
Wear It Purple strives to foster “supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.” The DoE encourages schools to get involved.
There are plenty of resources available on the Wear It Purple website, including printables and event guides.
Resources — WEAR IT PURPLE
Free school packs are also available: https://www.wearitpurple.org/shop?category=School+Pack
DoE LGBTIQ+ Student Inclusion workshops
In Term 2, the DoE’s LGBTIQ Inclusion Team hosted a series of workshops that showcased the great work schools are doing to support their LGBTIQ+ students. QTU Officer Kim Roy and QuEST presenter Dr Kirstine Hand were among the guest panellists.
These workshops are being offered again this term, and at the time of writing 30 schools, across all sectors and regions, had signed up.
If you’d like to be involved in future rounds, or need assistance from the employer in supporting LGBTIQ+ students at your school, please contact the LGBTIQ Student Inclusion team via LGBTIQStudentInclusion@qed.qld.gov.au