Sexuality,+It's+Ok!

=**Sexuality**, It's Ok!=

By Krista Harrison


Retrieved April 21, 2010, from http://www.jedrzejko.eu/UserFiles/Image/rainbowflag.jpg


 * Introduction**

Sexuality can be a confusing topic for young people. There are many different areas of sexuality: Gay – A male who is attracted to other males. The term Gay can also be applied to females who are attracted to other females. Lesbian – A female who is attracted to other females. Lesbian and Gay people are often referred to under the blanket term “Homosexual”. Heterosexual – A person who is attracted to members of the opposite sex. Bisexual – A person who is attracted to both members of the same and opposite sex. Transgender – A person who is physically male or female, but identifies with the opposite gender. They may change their clothing and appearance, adopt pronouns of the opposite gender, change their name to fit their intrinsic gender, undergo hormone treatment, or reassignment surgery. Intersex – A person who has physical characteristics of both a male and a female; or a person who does not exclusively identify as male or female. Asexual – A person who is not attracted to people of either gender.

In this project, I will be referring to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex community, specifically youth in this community. This group of people is often referred to as the LGBTI community. It should be noted though, that some individuals do not like to define themselves as a particular sexuality, and rather believe sexuality is “fluid” and attraction depends on the individual, not their gender. Some people do not like to feel constrained by a label, and wish to have the freedom to make change throughout their lives.

Opinions on sexuality within our society are widely varied, up until the 1970’s any sexuality other than heterosexuality was considered to be a psychological illness by medical professionals, and Christianity and other religions have condemned alternate sexualities to heterosexuality. Psychology has adapted to associate sexuality as an intrinsic quality of a person, and some religions are now quite accepting of varying sexualities. However, especially within schools, there is a prevalence of homophobic bullying within Australian society, and this can be seen all over the world.

In 2005, the Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society conducted their second survey of Same Sex Attracted Youth (SSAY) in Australia. The resulting report was the “Writing Themselves In Again” report. 44% of surveyed youth reported verbal abuse relating to their sexuality, and 16% reported physical abuse. 74% of young people who were abused experienced this in school, and 46% reported being abused in public places within the community. These figures were slightly higher than those taken in the 1998 study, however when taking into account the greater number of young people who had spoken to someone about their sexuality, the figures appear mostly unchanged across this time period.

Verbal abuse included name calling, insults, threats and rumours. Rumours especially, can result in young people becoming isolated and excluded from social groups. Physical abuse ranged from destruction of clothes and possessions, physical assault and rape which at times resulted in hospitalization.

Young people who had suffered homophobic bullying were more likely to self harm, report STI’s and abuse drugs, both legal and illegal. SSAY are more likely to experience depression and anger, have disrupted education, and experience homelessness, 35% of SSAY reported engaging in self harming behaviours as a result of their sexuality and abuse that occurred because of such. Those who had been physically bullied were three times more likely to report self harming behaviours than those who hadn’t. The report classifies self harming behaviour as including suicide attempts. A study in the United States found that SSAY are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008). The Writing Themselves In Again report found that young people who had a positive coming out experience were less likely to attempt suicide.

Retrieved April 20, 2010, from []

Young people often felt that the bullying they experienced at school was ignored by teachers. This could be attributed to teachers fearing consequences from parents, the school, or the wider community. Teachers are afraid they will be accused of encouraging the gay lifestyle. Young people fear seeking help for the bullying they experience as it required them to disclose their sexuality, and they fear the consequences of doing so.

The Australian Association for Research in Education found that there is somewhat of an acceptance amongst young people that minority groups, such as SSAY should accept discrimination and “get used to it”. They also found that there is not a great deal of responsibility for homophobic bullying accepted by schools in regards to helping SSAY or changing the culture of the school.

I have identified through this research that there is a need for support for the youth LGBTI community, especially those who have experienced bullying, as they are statistically have a greater chance of engaging in risk taking behaviours.


 * Consultation Process**

I consulted young people by placing signs in public places, the Charles Darwin University notice boards, library notice boards, local shopping centres, and by emailing the posters to local youth groups requesting them to display or distribute amongst their young people. The posters advertised the opportunity to assist in developing a voice for young people who identify as part of the LGBTI community, especially those who suffer bullying, and to make them aware of services that are available to them. The posters notified young people that they could take whatever level of involvement they would like, and if they wanted, their identity could be kept completely anonymous and they could participate without attending meetings. The posters provided my email and phone number, to allow young people to contact me in whichever way they felt most comfortable. The poster advertised that the group was open to all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Meetings were held in the Casuarina library meeting room once a week for a period of a month. Young people could also submit ideas via email or phone if they didn’t feel comfortable attending the meetings. An email which did not disclose individual participant’s addresses was sent to all who provided an email address subsequent to each meeting, outlining what progress had been made, and what has been discussed.

At the first meeting, the young people completed a questionnaire, as to what their views on the subject were, and what they thought could be done to combat the issue (see below). Ideas were gathered through open discussion, and individual perceptions, along with suggestions submitted over the phone, or via email. It was decided that young people, teachers, and youth leaders all needed education on the issues surrounding homophobic bullying, and the impact it could have on young people. It was decided that this would be best done through information packs distributed to youth groups and schools which provide information for young people on sexuality, and the impacts of bullying. This would include brochures and posters designed at deterring bullies. They would also provide details for places young people can go to receive help, support and information.

It was also decided that a group of young people who felt comfortable would hold a talk on their experiences, and speakers would come from other agencies to discuss sexuality and the services they offer to help those who are experiencing difficulties with their identity, or suffering bullying. The talk would be followed by a youth dance party, with a local DJ playing, and the focus being on inclusion of all youth.

My role in the meetings was to facilitate open discussion, and assist with the development of ideas as to what would be most appropriate to raise awareness.


 * Networking**

There were two parts to organising this event, firstly, arranging the information packs. Secondly, arranging the actual event. Both Headspace and the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) agreed to provide information for the packs, including posters deterring homophobic bullying, information on sexuality, and information on services these organisations provide.

Young people in the group were involved in putting together the information packs, and distributing them around the community. They also created posters advertising the talk and dance party, and displayed them around the community, and as a group decided that the talk would be an open discussion around sexuality, coming out, and their general experiences. The young people also assisted in contacting organisations for donations towards the event.

A representative from the AIDS and Hepatitis Council who works in the LGBTI Youth Program agreed to come to the talk, and discuss the services they offer, how young people can be more accepting of people of varying sexualities, and what young people who are bullied, or witness bullying, can do.

As well as young people distributing flyers throughout the community, I emailed them to the youth groups who I had emailed the original invite to.

A local DJ agreed to DJ for the dance party, and he was able to provide his own equipment. He was contacted through putting an advertisement in the paper, asking for volunteers to DJ a local event to raise awareness for youth sexuality issues.


 * The Event**

The event was held on a Saturday night at the Malak Community Centre. It began with young people telling their stories in an open discussion, informal, setting. The young people discussed discovering sexuality, coming out including telling parents and friends and reactions they received and how this affected them. They also spoke about the need for people to be accepting and how this can assist a young person when discovering their sexuality. The young people who attended the event were invited to ask questions of the speakers, and open discussion was encouraged.

The representative from the AIDS and Hepatitis Council spoke about services offered by the organisation, and ways in which they assist young people who want to discuss their sexuality or receive some support. Once again, the young people were invited to ask questions, and pamphlets were left for the young people to collect if they wanted more information, or to contact someone for a chat.

The discussion was followed by an under 18’s only dance party. It was strictly a drug and alcohol free event, and supported by The Shak, who volunteered staff for supervision, NTAHC, and Headspace, who provided information for young people throughout the evening. Coca-Cola donated soft drink for the young people, and water was available at the facility. The theme of the dance party was acceptance, and everyone was encouraged to interact regardless of their sexuality.

A local DJ volunteered his services, and played a mixture of RnB, dance, and pop music for the young people. He provided his own equipment.

The event raised awareness by providing young people with a view of other’s experiences, and letting young people struggling with sexuality issues that they are not alone. It also provided all young people with an idea of services they could contact should they, or someone they know, need support with dealing with their sexuality.

The information packs which were sent out contained information for both young people and adults. The information for young people included brochures on services, and information on sexuality and coming out, along with what to do if being bullied regarding sexuality issues. The packs also contained posters deterring youth from using homophobic slang, such as “gay” to describe something which is disliked. The information for teachers and youth leaders described ways to combat homophobic bullying, and make schools more inclusive for SSAY. For example:


 * Creating policies, incorporating education about safe sex for all sexual orientations into the curriculum.


 * Strategies in place for both students, teachers, and youth leaders for dealing with homophobic behaviour.


 * Develop relationships between schools, youth groups, and organisations such as the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council which supports the LGBTI population.


 * Challenging homophobic language, for example, the use of the term “gay” to refer to things young people don’t like.


 * Educate SSAY on becoming proud of who they are, developing programs to increase self esteem both within schools and youth groups.


 * Provide resources to teachers and students and youth leaders, and professional development for teachers on combating homophobic bullying, and making classrooms more sexuality-neutral.


 * Evaluation**

Young people were asked to volunteer to complete surveys both on entering and leaving the event. The first survey assessed their existing knowledge of services and issues around sexuality, and the final survey assessed their opinions on the event, and what they had taken from it. These results were compared to assess the success of the event.

Young people were also asked to volunteer to be contacted in 3 months time to complete a final survey, as to whether they felt their school/youth group had become more accepting of SSAY as a result of the information provided in the information packs.

(Please see below for all surveys).



Retrieved April 20, 2010, from []


 * References**

Commonwealth of Australia, 2008, //Same-Sex Attraction and Mental Health,// Retrieved April 4, 2010, from []

Gilchrist, H; Howarth, G; & Sullivan, G n.d. //School’s Out: Homosexuality, Bullying and Suicide.// Retrieved April 4, 2010, from [|http://www.aare.edu.au/02[a[/gil02454.htm]

//Headspace,// n.d. Retrieved 10 April, 2010m from [|http://www.headspace.org.au]

Hillier, L; Turner, A; & Mitchell, A, 2005, //Writing themselves in again: 6 years on.// Retrieved April 3, 2010, from []

Mellor, A, 2004, //Information for schools about homophobic bullying.// Retrieved April 2, 2010, from []

//Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council//, n.d. Retrieved 10 April, 2010, from [|http://www.ntahc.org.au]

//Northern Territory Services,// n.d. Retrieved 11 April, 2010, from []

//Sexuality// n.d. Retrieved April 3, 2010, from []

Ollis, D; Mitchell, A; Watson, J; Hillier, L; & Walsh, J, n.d. //Safety in our schools, strategies for responding to homophobia.// Retrieved April 5, 2010, from []