Support for Diversity Education

9th October 2006

The Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) supports diversity and human rights education in Queensland Schools.

QAHC is responding to concerns raised this week about a classroom activity in which students were asked to imagine they were in a minority.

“It’s important that young people learn about the experiences of minorities in our community, whether they be ethnic, religious or sexual minorities” said Paul Martin, General Manager. “One of the best ways of doing this is to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how you would feel if you were in a minority.”

“Talking about lesbian & gay issues does not turn you gay, but it can help you to understand how others live their lives. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people attend our schools, live in our communities and are members of our families.”

“Queensland is the second most homophobic state in Australia and discrimination and stigma against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community can lead to violence, poor mental health and suicide, especially among LGBT young people. Government has a responsibility to promote basic human rights and acceptance of diversity in our schools and communities.

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