Schools must ensure that they create safe, inclusive, and relevant educational experiences for all students, including for LGBTIQ+ students and children of LGBTIQ+ families.

Who are LGBTIQ+ people?

• LGBTIQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Non-Binary and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer and Questioning.
• The term includes a range of diverse sexual orientations, genders, and sex characteristics (the ‘+’ sign is generally used to represent genders and sexual orientations outside of the letters LGBTIQ).

Did you know?

• The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students, staff and families, including those who identify as LGBTIQ+.
• All schools must put in place the necessary supports and programs to achieve a learning environment which is safe, supportive, and inclusive.
• We have been supporting LGBTIQ+ inclusion in Tasmanian schools since 1997.
• LGBTIQ+ students and the children of LGBTIQ+ families are more likely to face stigma, bullying, verbal or physical harassment or humiliation at school than non-LGBTIQ+ students. This can negatively impact on their health and wellbeing, including their success at school.
• Writing Themselves In 4 (2021)  and Free2Be…Yet (2021) show that challenging prejudice, stigma and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ students not only improves their mental health and wellbeing, but it also has a direct relationship to their educational outcomes.
• When discrimination and bullying against any student goes unchallenged, it can adversely affect the entire school community.
• Discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on sexual orientation, intersex variations and gender identity is not tolerated in our schools and is prohibited under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.
• It is important for all students and their families to feel that they belong to their school community.

For your child

• All students will be supported to participate in education as their authentic selves.
• The Respectful Schools Respectful Behaviour resource underpins DECYP’s approach to supporting sexual and gender diversity within schools.
• The curriculum content supports students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help them to understand that diversity is a part of the world we live in, and to establish and manage respectful relationships. It also supports them to develop positive practices in relation to their reproductive and sexual health and the development of their identities.
• Under the Australian Curriculum, students are also supported to value diversity as a key part of the strand ‘Personal, Social and Community Health’.
• The Supporting Sexuality, Sex, and Gender Diversity in Schools Policy ensures all young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ are included and supported in public education in Tasmania.
• The Guidelines for Inclusive Language enable everyone, regardless of culture, race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, disability or socioeconomic status to feel that they are being reflected in dialogue.

For families

All families, no matter what they look like, will be respected, affirmed, and encouraged to participate in school communities.

It is everyone’s responsibility to

• Recognise LGBTIQ+ students, families, and staff as an everyday part of the social mix of the school.
• Be aware of our shared responsibility to help create safe and supportive learning environments.
• Model respectful and inclusive behaviour and language and address discriminatory language or behaviour.
• Listen, support, and respect the individual wishes and needs of people, including LGBTIQ+ staff, students, and families.

Where can I get more information?

• Further information is available at LGBTIQ+ page
• Talk to your child’s Teacher or Principal.