Minus 18 is Australia’s youth driven network for LGBTIQ+ youth. They’re based in Victoria so their workshops and events are hard to get to, but their website provides masses of information and resources. That question you haven’t found the answer to – you’ll find it at Minus 18! Build up your knowledge.
Are you at school?
If you are being bullied at school, whether it’s by fellow students or even a staff member, in person or online, you should talk to someone: at home, at the school, or at an independent counselling service (see our Support page). If you are bullied online, don’t just delete the material: make sure you take screen shots as evidence. Remember: bullying is against national and state government policy. If it is extreme, it can be against the law.
The school guidance officer is trained to help you, and you can ask for a private and confidential meeting. Remember that every school is legally obliged to provide a safe environment, free from discrimination.
I have complained about bullying, but nothing happened.
You can escalate your request for help by approaching one of the following, who are all trained to help:
• the school-based nurse
• the school-based police officer
• the school chaplain
Make a note of who you talk to, and when. If you are still not getting any practical and effective help, then it’s time to contact the Regional office of the Department of Education, with the support of your family, a counselling service, or a school staff member who you have found to be sympathetic.
Actually, I’m fine, and I’d like to help others
Actually, I’m fine, and I’d like to help others
Together with your friends you can form a school club for all students of diverse bodies, genders and sexualities. You might also include your ‘allies’, your straight friends, and sympathetic school staff. You will need the approval of the principal, and the support of a member of staff. Then start celebrating! International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is on 17 May. Wear it Purple Day is in August.
The Victorian Department of Education continues to deliver a Safe Schools program to ensure schools are safe places for all students, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) students, and are free of discrimination. The Victorian program provides guidelines, ideas and actions for making your school safe and inclusive for LGBTIQ+ students.
Are you at college or university?
Your college or university has counsellors who can help with personal problems (these are not the ‘learning support’ counsellors, who help with study issues). Most institutions will also have a student organization for LGBTIQ+ students, and/or an ‘Ally’ group whose members commit to offering a safe space and support for LGBTIQ+ students or staff. Search them out or start your own!
Griffith University: LGBTIQU Student Support information, including the Rainbow Society contact and meeting information: there are regular coffee catchups at the Logan, Nathan, Gold Coast and Southbank campuses.
Queensland University of Technology: get support from counselling, or visit the Queer Collective.
University of Queensland: you can contact Student Advocacy and Support on 3346 3400 and Student Services on 1300 851 998.
University of Queensland: you can contact Student Advocacy and Support on 3346 3400 and Student Services on 1300 851 998.