TELL THE NSW PARLIAMENT TO AFFIRM TRANS KIDS, NOT ERASE THEM

A NSW inquiry is considering a Bill from Mark Latham that would ban all recognition of trans and gender diverse school students and threaten teachers with dismissal if they provide any support.

Further, a parent could withdraw a child from any discussion of LGBTIQ+ issues in school, and teachers, other staff and counsellors would be prohibited from simply telling them that they are okay.

Tell the inquiry that you want all LGBTIQ+ kids affirmed, not erased.

Your email will go to the Inquiry and the NSW Premier, Opposition leader, Education Minister and Shadow Education Minister.

This campaign is a partnership of The Gender Centre Inc and just.equal

Please reject the proposed law from Mark Latham MLC that would ban any recognition of, or support for, trans and gender diverse students in NSW schools, and seek parental permission for even discussing the existence of LGBTIQ+ people. 
This proposed law will put the lives of students at risk, increase homelessness and family conflict, and undermine the fundamental right of all trans and gender diverse students to attend school.
Australian research shows that
<ul>
<li>Trans and gender diverse school students experience very high levels of isolation, exclusion and discrimination and this leads, in turn, to higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts</li>
<li>Prejudice and exclusion also lead to families with transgender and gender diverse members breaking apart, and are obstacles to trans and gender diverse children receiving an education, which is their inalienable right</li>
<li>School communities as a whole suffer when prejudice against LGBTIQ+ students, including trans and gender diverse students, is left unchallenged.</li>
<li>The problems caused by discrimination against LGBTIQ+ young people increase costs for government within the health, education and justice systems</li>
<li>School programs that support LGBTIQ+ students, including transgender and gender diverse students, reduce all these risk factors and make it possible for trans children to attend school.</li>
</ul>
The Bill resembles Clause 28 in the UK that was repealed because of its negative impact on LGBTIQ young people. 
The Bill will also undermine Sydney's reputation as a welcoming city in the lead up to World Pride 2023.
We urge you to uphold Australia's reputation for LGBTIQ+ acceptance by rejecting any attempts to roll back LGBTIQ+ equality and inclusion.
 Instead, we urge you to fund programs that will affirm all LGBTIQ+ young people, including trans and gender diverse young people.
 Yours Sincerely,