The Sexuality Education of Australian GLBTIQ Youth: Messages, Usefulness, Recommendations

There have been many recent media debates and controversies in Australia over what sexuality education in schools should constitute. Concerns for sexual health can inform pushes for educating young people on topics such as hygiene, biology or safe sex. Yet other agendas privilege censorship, the teaching of abstinence, a focus on sexual morality or the inclusion of gay rights and other diverse perspectives. A review of the literature uncovered the key approaches to sexuality education, and 14 specific messages they offer young people about their sexuality. This presentation considers the relevance of these messages for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex students. It reports on the messages received by GLBTIQ students in the sexuality education classes they are provided in Australian schools, and how useful they found these to be, using the data from a 2010 online survey of over 3,000 GLBTIQ students (aged 14-21). It explores differences in sexuality education provision across key states and sectors, and also in comparison to international trends. The majority of Australian GLBTIQ students are currently substituting their sexuality education with information from other sources (particularly the internet), and their recommendations for improved schooling and other provisions (such as through these websites) are considered.