Supporting young people
Below is a summary of what you will find in this section, please read below and click on the corresponding links to find out more. This page outlines things that you can do in your school or service to create a safe environment for same sex attracted young people When you are working with young people you must be aware of many factors, so young people feel safe and supported to be themselves. There are 12 ways in which you can support same sex attracted and transgender young people, whether they are ‘out’ or not. If you are aware of these factors, you are helping to increase the health and wellbeing of many young people. “To respond effectively to the needs of same sex attracted and transgender young people, knowledge of their needs and experiences is really important”  Why do young people have to come out? Have you ever wondered this? This page explains ways in which you can support a young person, who may come out to you, or in your school, workplace or other setting. Why is transgender different? This may sound like a silly question, but if we had no expectations of what males and females should be… maybe transgender would be normal? There is also a tale of a young persons personal experience. You may also like to read about:- What is gender? What are the implications of gender for students at my school.
- Read about the many myths and facts about transgender people.
- FAQ – Same sex attracted
- Click here to view a PowerPoint presentation about supporting transgender young people, developed by Liz Alexander and Ash Pike.
- An example of what another school has done to accommodate a transgender student, see the Experiences of Schools section “How a Melbourne school was inclusive of a transgender student”
It is a fact that those who are perceived to be gay or lesbian receive as much abuse as those who may be gay or lesbian. It is also a fact that the number of those bullies is around 35%. So for children with gay or lesbian parents it can be extremely difficult… but you can help…. “If there were no homophobia, I would be lying in bed thinking I probably had one of the best days of my life.” (Jack, Year 8, respondent in survey of school experiences of children of lesbian and gay parents.) Learning more about gender and sexuality is one way to be supportive, this page will help you as well as link you to more resources. Also, read the FAQ – asked by families. 
|
