The term LGBTIQA+ includes a range of diverse sexual orientations, genders, and sex characteristics (the ‘+’ sign is generally used to represent genders and sexual orientations outside of the letters LGBTIQA). 

Did you know? 

  • We have been supporting LGBTIQA+ inclusion in Tasmanian schools since 1997. All schools must put in place the necessary supports and programs to achieve a learning environment which is safe, supportive, and inclusive. 
  • It is important for all students and their families to feel that they belong to their school community.
  • Discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on sexual orientation, intersex variations and gender identity is not tolerated in our schools and is illegal under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998. 
  • LGBTIQA+ students and the children of LGBTIQA+ families are more likely to face stigma, bullying, verbal or physical harassment or humiliation at school than non-LGBTIQA+ students. This can negatively impact on their health and wellbeing, including their success at school. 
  • Writing Themselves In 4 (2021) (PDF, 9.5MB)  and Free2Be…Yet (2021) (PDF, 2.2MB) show that challenging prejudice, stigma and discrimination against LGBTIQA+ students can improve their mental health, wellbeing and their educational outcomes. If it goes unchallenged, it can adversely affect the whole school community. 

For your child or young person 

  • All students will be supported to engage in education as their authentic selves. 
  • The Respectful Schools Respectful Behaviour (PDF, 520KB) resource underpins DECYP’s approach to supporting sexual and gender diversity within schools. 
  • Through the Australian Curriculum students are also supported to value diversity as a key part of the strand ‘Personal, Social and Community Health’. It supports students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help them to understand that diversity is a part of the world we live in. This helps them to establish and manage respectful relationships. It also supports them to develop positive practices in relation to their reproductive and sexual health and the development of their identities. 
  • The Supporting Sexuality, Sex, and Gender Diversity in Schools Policy (PDF, 264KB) ensures all young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ are included and supported in our schools. 
  • The Guidelines for Inclusive Language (PDF, 3.9MB) enable everyone, regardless of culture, race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, disability or socioeconomic status to feel that they are being reflected in dialogue. 

For families 

All families will be respected, affirmed, and encouraged to participate in school communities. 

It is everyone’s responsibility to

  • Recognise LGBTIQA+ students, families, and staff as an everyday part of the school community. 
  • Be aware of our shared responsibility to help create safe and supportive learning environments. 
  • Model respectful and inclusive behaviour and language and address discriminatory language or behaviour. 
  • Listen, support, and respect the individual wishes and needs of people, including LGBTIQA+ students, families and staff. 

Where can I get more information? 

On this page
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  1. Did you know? 
  2. For your child or young person 
  3. For families 
  4. It is everyone’s responsibility to
  5. Where can I get more information? 

Learning

  1. School terms and holidays
  2. Find your local school
  3. Enrolling in school
  4. Early years learning
  5. Primary school to year 12
  6. Career pathways for students
  7. Attending school
  8. Supporting student need
  9. Learning programs and centres
  10. Aboriginal Education Services
  11. LGBTIQA+ equality in Tasmanian government schools
  12. LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion in education
  13. International students studying in Tasmanian Government schools
  14. Awards and scholarships for students
  15. Information for schools and educators