The Human Rights Commission has long standing concerns about bullying, violence and abuse within schools. In 2008 the Commission received a complaint from parents of students subjected to bullying, violence and abuse by other students within a secondary school.

Attitudes towards sexual diversity in Australia have undergone remarkable change in the last 10 years. Gay men and lesbians experience greater social acceptance and less discrimination than in the past. More public identities have been willing to be open about their sexuality.

In Victoria we pride ourselves on having safe and effective schools that cater for the diverse needs of the community. Everyone has a role in creating a safe school environment for all students.

An evaluation of the Pride & Prejudice program, which ran in three Tasmanian schools in 2006, suggests that students who completed the program had more positive attitudes towards gay men and lesbians.

Writing Themselves In Again - 6 years on: the 2nd national report on the sexuality, health and well-being of same sex attracted young Australians is the follow up report to a similar study conducted in 1998.

Recent research into same-sex attracted youth (SSAY) suicide and rural youth suicide suggests there may be an association between the two. A literature review explores this proposal.

This project was commissioned to establish whether agencies and services collected qualitative or quantitative data that might demonstrate links between suicidal behaviours and issues of sexuality for young people.

Australian research about young people has found that schools can be very unsafe for students who are, or perceived to be, gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Research has also found that many teachers are reluctant to address issues to do with homosexuality, especially in relation to students.

This audit tool provides an opportunity for powerful learning through student enquiry within the school’s own community. Many schools are not very supportive places for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or simply unsure about their sexuality.