Shorten, Dewar back Safe Schools at La Trobe LGBTI pride week

La Trobe University marked its fifth annual Pride Week on Thursday by declaring itself a “safe university” for same-sex attracted, sex and gender diverse people.  

Vice Chancellor John Dewar said his university was closely linked to research behind the federal government’s Safe Schools Coalition, and he was proud to stand behind a program that cared for the wellbeing of LGBTI people. 

“The facts speak for themselves: LGBTI people systematically experience poorer mental health outcomes than their straight equivalents,” he said.

“To me, that speaks to a great injustice that it is within the power of all of us to address, particularly through programs like the Safe Schools [Coalition].”

Chloe Shorten, wife of federal Labor leader Bill Shorten, was also present for the Pride Day ceremony and welcomed Mr Dewar’s conviction.

“Being a mother of three children, I love the idea there’s a university that they could go to that is supporting the diverse community on which it thrives,” she said. 

“It’s real leadership.”

Student Jess Pollard joined Mr Dewar in raising a flag in recognition of the university’s bisexual and asexual communities.

The LGBTI rainbow flag was also flown earlier in the week.  

A graduate of Overnewton College, which is a member of the Safe Schools Coalition, Ms Pollard described the program as “near and dear to her heart”.

“It breaks my heart to hear about cuts to the program and to think of the impact on current and future students,” she said.

But she described the Victorian government’s defence of the anti-bullying program as cause for optimism. 

Ms Pollard believed equality would only be achieved once LGBTI people did not have to “come out” or explain their sexuality.  

Ms Pollard took part in a “no dumb questions” forum on Thursday afternoon, an opportunity for members of the public to ask LGBTI people questions about sexuality and gender identity.   

Representatives from Kyneton group Way Out and the Victorian AIDS Council’s Bendigo-based health service VACountry also took part in the day’s activities. 

The Pride Week celebrations coincide with the Bendigo Queer Film Festival, which begins on Friday night at Star Cinema in Eaglehawk.