What can I do about it?
Whether we are male, female, intersex, transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual, we all share the responsibility to end sexuality-based prejudice. Here are some tips:
- Educate yourself about the diversity of sexual identities. If there are things you don't know or understand, do some research, ask questions or contact a group that deals with these issues.
- Be non-judgemental. Think about what or who has influenced your attitudes and values about sexual identity. Ask yourself if these attitudes and values make you feel good about yourself as a sexual being and if they support others to feel good about themselves.
- Don't make assumptions about a person's sexual behaviour based on stereotypes.
- Don't tease or harass others for exhibiting behaviours that are not traditionally associated with their gender identity (or what you perceive their gender identity to be).
- Use gender inclusive and non-heterosexist language. For example, when the gender of a person is unknown or if gender isn't relevant to the issue use "they", "the person" or "she or he". When talking about relationships use "partner" instead of "husband" or "wife". This term is inclusive of all relationships.
- Speak up against sexist, heterosexist or homophobic jokes, comments, or other behaviours. If you don't, your silence condones and encourages such behaviours.
- Conduct awareness raising and positive action in your school and community. One opportunity is each year on 17 May - the United Nations' International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHo).
- Have your say on Bullying. No Way! through the Forum.
For more information and resources
For young people directly experiencing sexual prejudice and their families and friends, there are support services in every state that can help:
Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800).
A free and confidential, telephone counselling service for 5 to 25 year olds
in Australia. www.kidshelp.com.au
Lifeline (13 11 14)
A free and confidential service staffed by trained volunteer telephone counsellors
who are ready to take calls 24-hour a day, any day of the week from anywhere
in Australia. http://www.lifeline.org.au
Reach Out!
A web-based service that inspires young people to help themselves through
tough times by providing initial information about a wide range of issues
and referrals to support services in your local area. http://www.reachout.com.au
Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG)
A non-profit voluntary organisation whose members have a common goal of keeping
families together. PFLAG is here to give help, support and information
to families, friends of all gay people. http://www.pflagaustralia.org.au/
Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy
© 2008.
For copyright information about this website, and circumstances
in which
reproductions of this website are permitted, please visit our
Copyright Notice.