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RESOURCES FOR
YOUNG QUEERS:

2010 Lesbian & Gay Youth Services
housing and assistance
ph 02 8585 6300
ph 1800 65 2010

Fun and esteem groups
education and support for young gay and bi men
Sydney 9206 2077 Lismore 6622 1555 Parramatta 9204 2405 Wollongong 4228 8211
Freecall outside Sydney:
1800 063 060

Mogenic
fabulous website for queer youth - coming out stories, advice and chat, upcoming events

Campus groups
most universities – check with the student union

Support for parents and friends
PFLAG ph: 02 9294 1002 (Sydney & some regions)

Gay & Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW
telephone counselling and support groups
ph: 02 9207 2800
1800 805 379
click to email

SAFE SEX AND HIV:

ACON Sydney and branches
ph: 02 9206 2000

HIV/AIDS
safe sex and HIV
Info Line 02 9332 4000
TTY 02 9332 4266

TRANSGENDER SERVICES:

The Gender Centre
Ph: 02 9569 2366
click to email

COMMUNITY
HEALTH CENTRES:

youth and family services, counselling, information, health, peer groups
all over the place - check local phone guides

Ssonet
More contacts, venues and events

Gay and lesbian youth

Young lesbians, gay men and queers are not always treated equally at school, work, in law or by their families

Young lesbians and gays may experience a range of problems as a result of discriminatory attitudes, stereotyping and blatant homophobia. Like other gays and lesbians, they are subject to unequal laws. Perhaps rejection or fear of rejection by families and friends is the most universal problem for young people and this can make coming out a painful experience. But sometimes parents who are initially upset or angry become a young person’s greatest ally in time. Young queers who have good support from close friends, parents, brothers and sisters will probably take everything else in their stride.

Discrimination at school and at work is common

Many schools are now accepting of young gays and lesbians and it is quite common for students to be out at some high schools. Some value all their students and positively promote acceptance. Unfortunately, discrimination is still common at many others. This can include discrimination by teachers and name-calling, harassment and bullying by other students and even teachers. Using words like poof, dyke, fag, lesso, acting gay as terms of abuse may be so entrenched that no-one even notices it as unusual. Much of this behaviour is against the law and there are things that can be done to improve acceptance in schools.
Places where young people work similarly range from good to bad to appalling but are also generally subject to anti-discrimination laws.
Sometimes family members also experience discrimination or rejection. For example, parents who support a gay or lesbian child may find themselves having arguments at work or being ostracised at church. Often, however, others will take the lead from parents and be accepting if they are. Sometimes fear of rejection may mean parents want to keep their child’s sexuality secret. In some cases, such as with workplace discrimination, family members may also be able to take action under anti-discrimination legislation.

Some queer youth are homeless

Lesbian and gay youth are known to have high rates of homelessness. This is generally related to lack of family acceptance. Sometimes this problem is compounded by homophobic attitudes on the part of refuges and other service providers. But there are some services that cater specifically for young gays and lesbians and many others are queer friendly.

Gays and lesbians can be more at risk of youth suicide

Research, mostly done in the US and Canada, indicates 25% to 45% of young lesbians, gay men and bisexuals have attempted suicide, with up to 85% feeling suicidal. The few Australasian studies confirm the extent of the problem here. For example, a 1996 Western Australian study of young gay men found over half had attempted suicide.
The more in-depth research has shown that suicide risk for young gays, lesbians and bisexuals is related to isolation and loneliness; rejection and lack of support structures; coming out and difficulty in accepting one’s sexual orientation. Counselling services, support groups and even just meeting other gays and lesbians can help.

There is an unequal age of consent

In NSW, the age of consent for heterosexual sex and sex between women is 16. However, a young gay man is not considered capable of consent until he reaches 18. This means that an 18-year-old man who has sex with a 17-year-old man can be charged with a criminal offence and go to prison for up to 10 years. Unlike his heterosexual friends and siblings, he can be convicted even if he made a genuine (and reasonable) mistake about the age of his partner. Fortunately this archaic law is not generally enforced but it continues to take a toll on young people’s self-esteem.

What to do if you experience discrimination at school or elsewhere

In NSW (and many other states) discrimination on the basis of homosexuality is prohibited in public schools and complaints can be made to the Anti-Discrimination Board (ph (02) 9268 5555 or 1800 670 812). Unfair suspension or expulsion from a public school can also be appealed to the Department of Education and Training or a complaint made to the Ombudsman. You may want to try talking to the principal or someone sympathetic at the school first (a discrimination adviser or a teacher or counsellor). Take your parents with you if they are supportive. If the school won’t protect you complain to the Department or get legal advice.

What if it’s a private school?

Unfortunately private educational facilities are not covered by the same discrimination laws. However, some forms of bullying including threats, violence and damage to property are a criminal offence at any school. Discrimination complaints can also be made about discrimination that takes the form of sexual harassment. It is also possible to sue any school that has been negligent - for example in allowing bullying. Informal approaches to some private schools may also be effective and do not require any law.

So you want to leave home

There is no law in NSW that sets an age when you are allowed to leave home. Generally, you can leave home at 16 if you have a safe place to go and you can support yourself financially. If you do not have a job, talk to Centrelink or a legal adviser about whether you are entitled to social security payments.

Where to find more information about your rights

More information on gay and lesbian rights is available at the Lobby website and at www.actsofpassion.nsw.gov.au. The National Children's and Youth Law Centre website has information on young people’s rights generally and its booklet “Know Your Rights at School” is available to students free (ph (02) 9398 7488 or email ncylc@unsw.edu.au). Inner City Legal Centre in Darlinghurst runs an advice night for gays and lesbians and can be contacted on (02) 9332-1966.