0/5

Insight: May 3

On Tuesday night Insight on SBS tackles the delicate subject of being openly gay in school.

On Tuesday night Insight on SBS tackles the delicate subject of being openly gay in school.

While some teens welcome an era of tolerance, others say it’s putting pressure on them to declare their sexuality one way or the other. Schools are grappling with requests to bring a same-sex partner to senior year balls and formals.

Researchers say same-sex attracted young people are far more likely than other teenagers to self-harm, become depressed, attempt suicide or abuse substances. And bullying remains a major problem.

Insight delves into a number of issues including the divide between rural and urban Australia, how different schools, teachers and parents are coming to grips with this, and whether school students are simply too young to be identifying their sexuality in the first place.

Guests include:

Dr Lynne Hillier, who 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, who last year 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.

An Insight story: Every week Insight tackles a single issue of national importance from many points of view. Politicians, stakeholders, experts and ordinary Australians sit side by side and have their say.

Stephen O’Doherty, 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, 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.

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. They have since changed schools and this year opened Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade along with other gay and lesbian high schoolers.

Insight is hosted by Jenny Brockie on SBS ONE Tuesday at 7.30pm.

David Knox blogs Eurovision at sbs.com.au

2 Responses

  1. Stephen O’doherty was a reporter on the 7.30 report in the late 80’s/early 90’s. They try to provide the cross section of viewpoints and community diversity. It provides the ‘theatre’ on the night – the tension.

Leave a Reply