The Queensland Government’s decision to amend its policy of support for transgender, gay and lesbian students had been met with mixed reactions.
The Newman Government said this week it would provide school principals with supporting materials for their consideration.
The new policy would give principals the ability to address situations on a case-by-case basis which the government believes is more practical than a one-size-fits-all policy and would be more beneficial to students.
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) national spokeswoman Shelley Argent slammed the move as doing what’s easiest, not what’s right.
But Australian Transgender Support Association Queensland president Gina Mather agrees with the change albeit with some reservations.
A case-by-case scenario is okay. I’m sure that today 80% of school principals understand and recognise transgender issues, she said.
Let’s be honest, some principals care.
Ms Mather said she had spent 15 years dealing with school principals over the issue.
They are best placed along with parents to deal with it, she said.
However, Ms Mather remains somewhat cynical when it comes to State Government policy.
Of course, I’m cynical. Three years ago they kicked us out of the gender clinic cost-cutting they said.
And in recent times (Health Minister) Lawrence Springborg has refused to
meet with us over any transgender issue.
Ms Mather said the government had an ad hoc approach to transgender issues and as long as homophobia exists students would remain at risk.
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