The Bentleigh Respect Group

This is a ‘gay straight alliance group which has well over 25 members. Membership means that you are interested in ensuring that we live in a fair and safe world for everyone and being a member of the group does not define one’s sexual or gender identity.

Indeed no one ever asks what each person’s sexual or gender identity is. Bentleigh Secondary College is a member of the Safe Schools Coalition and this organisation provides support and guidance in ensuring safety for all at school.

The aims of the group are to:

• Promote, educate and celebrate sexual and gender diversity within the school community
• Provide mutual support
• Provide a safe place for students and staff to seek support
• Advocate and actively promote a homophobic and transphobic free school

We meet weekly and also become involved in celebrations and awareness raising events throughout the year. Some of these include

• Rainbow Day (IDAHOBIT), Wear it Purple Day, Harmony Day and Transgender Memorial Days
• Assemblies and education sessions for students and staff
• Attendance at the United Nations Summit on Human Rights for sexual and gender diverse young people
• Participation in the Gay Pride March
• Safe Schools Coalition activities
• Representing the school on the radio station Joy FM
• Specific training to better promote our cause and to provide support to others
• Special guests at lunches

Please approach the Wellbeing Team for further information.