Gay in School: Overview : SBS Insight

Overview

People are identifying as gay at younger ages than ever before. How is it playing out in the school yard and classroom? And what does it mean for the kids themselves?

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Some teens say they feel pressure to declare their sexuality one way or the other. And researchers say same-sex attracted young people are far more likely than other teenagers to self-harm, become depressed, attempt suicide or abuse substances.

Meanwhile, schools are grappling with everything from complaints of bullying to requests to bring a same-sex partner to the school formal.

Meet the Guests

Lynne Hillier

Dr Lynne Hillier has been studying same sex attracted young people for more than ten years and says teens are coming out younger than ever before. Lynne is an Associate Professor at La Trobe University’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. Her most recent study found high levels of bullying, suicide and self-harm among young same sex attracted teens.

Daniel Witthaus

Last year Daniel Witthaus did a road trip all around Australia on an anti-homophobia campaign called “Beyond That’s So Gay”. He travelled to rural and regional areas to hear about issues facing young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.

Stephen O'Doherty

Stephen O’Doherty is the CEO of Christian Schools Australia. He says the safest way for teens to ensure they protect themselves throughout high school is to abstain from sex until they are in a stable relationship.

Louie Bendtsen

Louie Bendtsen is a 15-year-old from Campbelltown in south-western Sydney. He recently came out as gay to his family, friends and his Catholic school mates. He uploads videos regularly about his experiences.

Hannah Williams and Savannah Supski

This young teen couple from Melbourne made headlines across Australia last year after they were told they couldn’t attend a school formal together. Hannah Williams and Savannah Supski have since changed schools and this year opened Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade along with other gay and lesbian high schoolers.