Schools in Melbourne, Australia are being urged to ditch ‘mom and dad’ and use gender-neutral pronouns in a bid to banish gendered terms.
Non-gendered sporting teams, flying of rainbow flags, and unisex bathrooms are also recommended to improve inclusivity for LGBTQI+ students.
Many schools are being encouraged to stop students and teachers from using dad, mom, and boyfriend as part of the campaign.
The terms ‘partner’ and ‘parent’ are more preferred.
These suggestions come after the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network launched the #SpeakingUpSpeaksVolumes campaign to support LGBTQI+ students.
The new campaign used material from VicHealth and Proud2Play which included some strategies not only for schools but also for sports – including the use of rainbow flags and having non-gendered teams.
In a statement shared on Monday, the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network said: “To be very clear, the #speakingupspeaksvolumes campaign….is focused on addressing the very serious impacts that bullying and discrimination has on LGBTIQ+ people, children, and young people in particular.”
Chris Carter, the CEO of the Network, said feeling safe in school premises was something that every student deserves and there is “no place for hurtful, disrespectful or discriminatory behavior.”
One mom of a student, who was ‘gender not-sure,’ said that the school’s support had been crucial to the growth of her son.
“There needs to always be obvious support and prevention so kids like Jax don’t have their confidence derailed,” the mother said.
One person commented: “I am a ‘Mum’ and I earned that title. I do not want to be referred to in any other way.”
Another wrote: “I have worked in many environments and respect the wishes of those I have contact with…the same In my social circle In return,I expect the same courtesy…I am a woman ,wife and mother and will be recognised as such…..otherwise it’s not inclusive,is it.”
A third added: “This is what makes me mad, I am all for people having their rights but don’t take away ours.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Replaced!