1: Parents kept in the dark
Our research discovered a most disturbing lack of transparency in regard our state education departments. And it’s not just one, it’s all of them.
ACON – previously the Aids Council of NSW, is Australia’s largest transgender advocacy organisation. It receives millions each year from both state and federal funds. It is also embedded, either directly or via its proxies (Transcend, Transfolk, Minus18, Rainbow Families, Shine), in all of Australia’s Departments of Education.
None of these Departments of Education have formally notified parents of the alliance and how it impacts their child’s school.
They influence staff recruitment – including teachers, where transgender and queer teachers are employed ahead of merit. They influence school activity days with 40% of parents reporting their school celebrates ‘Wear it Purple Day’ – a day of transgender recognition. 63% of parents state that pride badges, lanyards or LGBTQA paraphernalia are worn by school staff.
In the classroom or school environment, this can include:
* Teachers placing Pride flags on the classroom walls
* Schools and pre-schools flying the Pride flag
* Contentious Gender Education taught either by the teacher or an external provider
* School participation in Pride marches and events
The Queensland Department of Education actually helped five school staff ‘affirm their gender’ possibly via drugs and surgery, all on public funds.
70% of parents DO NOT KNOW that their education authority has an alliance with ACON. There is no transparency. That must change.