SA Schools’ New Policy on Transgender and Intersex Allows Students Gender Choices

Transgender and intersex students in South Australia may now use the toilets of the gender they identify with as its public schools introduced a new policy for them this year.

The policy also includes allowing students to be called by their preferred name and can wear the uniform of the gender they identify with.

Education Department spokesperson Ann-Marie Hayes said the policy was mandatory for all SA schools. She also said that it was needed as it would be an advantage to all students, not just those who were transgender and intersex.

“We’re just ensuring that our schools and particularly our principals, our school counsellors and our parents understand that there are particular ways that they can enact this policy and procedure.

“It actually supports the students and the families.

“These students are often more likely to be bullied or harassed because of homophobia or transphobia,” she said.

However, the Education Department said that decisions about the use of toilets and change rooms should be consulted with students and their families to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Meanwhile, Carolyn Grantskalns from the Independent Schools Association said independent schools would approach the issue case by case.

“Because every child is different and every transgender child is different. In our sector, each school will develop its own approach and on the whole they would work with the individual student and that student’s family and the broader school community,” she said.

Source: Abc.net.au