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“There’s certainly greater availability of LGBTQIA+ young people services in urban areas,”
“So some of the issues that arise as a consequence for LGBTQIA+ young people [in rural australia] is a greater sense of isolation.” [1.1]
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
"Why can it be more difficult for LGBTQIA+ rural students?!"
"Why can it be more difficult for LGBTQIA+ rural students?!"
It is estimated that 1 out of 3 people live outside of major capital cities in Australia and almost 50% of them have difficulty accessing mainstream services such as healthcare, disability and income support.[0] For LGBTQIA+ people it makes it even harder to find services that are inclusive, leaving people reluctant to access healthcare services through fear of discrimination. [0]
For the well-being of students regardless of gender or sexual identity schools need to implement positive and inclusive education that allows ALL students to learn about themselves in a positive and educational way. This is extremely important for communities that have lesser access to outside services.
There are two main ways teachers can implement tools to create a more inclusive space, please see below.
Safe Spaces in Rural Communities
Safe Spaces in Rural Communities
"How can we achieve this?"
For LGBTQIA+ youth in rural/regional areas, access to inclusive spaces is scarce. Being able to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance is important for students, for stability and mental health, academic outcomes and self-esteem. [6] Providing 'safe spaces' in the form of clubs and support groups for queer youth means that they will have the opportunity to positively express themselves.
While there may not be as much representation of LGBTQIA+ figures in rural and regional communities, providing safe spaces will help provide places within schools for queer people to express themselves. This can be in the form of using inclusive language in lessons, visual representation of support (rainbow flags), and having school counsellors informed on issues facing LGBTQIA+ young people.
Please see Creating Safe Spaces.
Please see below - Minus18 Young and Queer Report
Relationships and Sexuality Education
Relationships and Sexuality Education
"Why is it so important?!"
Comprehensive sexuality and relationship education is important for all young people, it equips them with the skills and knowledge to make responsible decisions to protect themselves.
As mentioned above access to adequate healthcare is harder to come by in rural areas, LGBTQIA+ people
Please see below - Relationship and Sexuality Education Position Statement.
Minus18 - Young and Queer Report 2019
Minus18 - Young and Queer Report 2019
WHO? The Victorian Government identified that young LGBTQIA+ people need to have more of a say on issues that directly involve them. 120 young people attended the Queer Ideas Festival [1] including regional and rural students who were offered travel scholarships to attend. 26% of people travelled more than 100km to Melbourne CBD to attend and 26% travelled more than 2 hours to attend. [2]
WHY? To gain insight into the experiences of queer youth in Victoria and to identify ideas and solutions to create a more inclusive future.
Statistics
66% of LGBTQIA+ students feel that there is a lack of relevant and inclusive sexual education
78.9% of trans young people have experienced issues with school, university or TAFE and have higher rates of wanting to hurt themselves, self-harming, reckless behaviour, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
68% per cent of LGBTQIA+ young people without supportive classmates experienced social exclusion compared to 30% of those with supportive classmates. [3]
Check it out for yourselves! https://www.minus18.org.au/resources/young-and-queer-report
FPAA - Relationship and Sexuality Education Position Statement 2016
FPAA - Relationship and Sexuality Education Position Statement 2016
This report details the importance of adequate sexual health education.
A main principle:
"Schools should offer a positive and open view of relationships and sexuality and be respectful of diversity. Resources utilised should be inclusive and representative of different cultures, religions, sexual orientation, gender identity and family values. A diversity of gender identities should be visible and valued within the learning environment." [4]
Statistics:
Up to a 40% increased use of condoms and other contraception, up to a 53% reduction in sexual risk-taking, and up to a 37% delay in initiating sex as a result of sexuality education.
In Australia, 75% of LGBTIQIA+ students experience abuse or discrimination, and 80% of students experience abuse or bullying in the school environment. RSE aims to influence behaviours that lead to a decrease in homophobia and transphobia.
Evidence indicates approximately a quarter of students have had sexual intercourse by year 10, 34% by Year 11 and 50% by Year 12. This emphasises the need for comprehensive RSE in school settings. [5]
Helpful Resources
Center for Rural and Remote Mental Health - Rural LGBTIQ Communities - https://www.crrmh.com.au/get-help-now/self-help-resources/podcasts/rural-lgbtiq-communities/
Footnotes
[0] https://qlife.org.au/uploads/14-Rural-and-Regional.pdf
[1.1] https://theadvocate.org.au/news/supporting-lgbtqia-youth-in-rural-australia/
[2] https://res.cloudinary.com/minus18/image/upload/v1585280334/Young_Queer_Report_Online_Version_yz8hed.pdf - p9 'participant demographics'
[4] https://shvic.org.au/assets/resources/FPAA-Schools-Education_Position-Statement_FA_April2017.pdf
[5] https://shvic.org.au/assets/resources/FPAA-Schools-Education_Position-Statement_FA_April2017.pdf - p2
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