Anne Mitchell, director of Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria (GLHV), said she decided to call the informal gathering in August in response to messages received from teachers working in all sectors of the Victorian school system.

“At the moment there is no organisation that meets regularly to support gay and lesbian teachers and this meeting could become a regular event,” Mitchell told MCV.

“Some emails detail violence against teachers, others speak of disciplinary behaviours taken against teachers who raise issues such as homophobia in the classroom.”

Mitchell estimates some 10 per cent of teachers in the state are same-sex attracted, adding that situations arise in the teaching environment that can make teachers feel uncomfortable or subject to disciplinary behaviour.

“It could be something like a teacher talking about weekend activities with their same-sex partner in the staffroom and another teacher storming out in disgust. The teacher would then be told to watch themselves when talking about their social life.”

According to Mitchell, teachers are reluctant to make formal complaints over these types of incidents: “People don’t want to jeopardise their employment, so they keep quiet.”

Mitchell said there is no organisation that meets regularly to support gay and lesbian teachers, and the meeting, an opportunity to chat and share experiences, could become a regular event.

The meeting is at La Trobe City Campus, 215 Franklin St, Melbourne on Wednesday, August 13, 6 - 7.30 pm.

RSVP for catering to Anne Mitchell 9285 5124 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

GLHV is also conducting an online survey to improve service. Take the five-minute survey at www.glhv.org.au/node/448

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title
Comment	smaller | bigger
Name
Email
Website
Write the displayed characters
Subscribe via email (Registered users only) I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.
	Add Comment