Article originally published in Western Teacher
By Samantha Schofield
Vice President
The SSTUWA will again be participating in Pride Parade on 19 November 2016. Last year we joined over 50 floats to celebrate 25 years of the Pride Parade in Perth.
As a union, we are committed to protecting the industrial, professional and civil rights of our members and the rights of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people throughout the world.
Discriminatory practices based on someone’s sex, sexuality and/or gender identification such as homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, heterosexism and monosexism are infringements of members rights and as such are to be challenged and eliminated.
Every person has the right to identify, or not identify themselves in a chosen way regarding their own sex, sexuality and gender.
The Australian Human Rights Commission estimates that 11 in 100 Australians are of diverse sexual orientation, sex or gender identity.
In 2013, the Australian Sex Discrimination Act of 1984 was amended to make discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status against the law.
The SSTUWA is proud to have worked with the Equal Opportunity Commission in developing the Sexual Orientation and Gender Guidelines and the accompanying fact sheets for staff, parents and carers, and students in 2013.
We continue to support the Safe Schools Coalition program that is making schools more inclusive for LGBTIQ students.
All employees have the right to a safe working environment that is inclusive and free from discrimination.
In 2015, the SSTUWA conducted a survey of our LGBTIQ members. Many respondents indicated that there was still a great deal of misconception about sexual orientation and gender identity.
There was a strong request for the SSTUWA to remain visible, and we do this by participating in Pride events such as the annual Pride Parade.
You don’t have to identify as LGBTIQ to participate in the Pride Parade. The SSTUWA invites all members, colleagues, students, family and friends to join us and show your support of LGBTIQ members.
Contact SSTUWA women and equity officer Colleen Mack via email (cmack@sstuwa.org.au) for further information on the 2016 Pride Parade.
Together let’s take pride in celebrating the diversity of our community.
