What is the Rainbow Network?
The Rainbow Network was established late in 2003 to support members who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Takatapui, Fa'afafine, Transgender, or Intersex, and to progress professional issues for these members. Download the Rainbow Network poster here
You can contact the Rainbow Network by emailing Susan Elliot at NZEI Te Riu Roa, emailing rainbow@nzei.org.nz or by phoning (04) 382 2728.
Transgender Inquiry Report
The Human Rights Commission’s (HRC) Transgender Inquiry To Be Who I am: Kia noho au ki tōku anō ao was released on January 18th.
The report is at www.hrc.co.nz/transgenderinquiry or To Be Who I Am (Word) or To Be Who I am (PDF)
The HRC has thanked unions for making submissions to the inquiry. Most submissions highlighted discrimination against trans people – and the most common form of discrimination was within the workplace. For that reason, one of the suggested actions in the inquiry report (p 101) is to work with unions, employers, trans people and the Department of Labour to provide information about issues for trans people in the workplace. The HRC looks forward to working with you all on this – and to ensuring any resources are relevant to union members.
The inquiry resulted in a useful Christchurch Press article which has focused on schools supporting trans students: http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4360986a6009.html
Read the HRC's media release
Do you have a human rights complaint? Kei te amuamau koe, he mana tangata? The Commission helps people to resolve complaints of unlawful discrimination. If you think you have been unlawfully discriminated against, the first step is to either call our Infoline on 0800 496 877 (toll free), email us Infoline@hrc.co.nz , fax us on ++ 64 9 377 3593 or TTY (teletypewriter) 0800 150 111. For further information about our complaints process, please click here. Language Line, an interpreting service is available.
Sexuality Harassment - New Resource Available
A new resource has been produced to help schools address prejudice on the grounds of sexual orientation. Safety in our schools - Ko te haumaru i o tatou kura can be downloaded from www.outthere.org.nz, or email outthere@nzaf.org.nz |
Useful Links
The Council of Trade Unions website has a section called 'Out At Work" You can reach this site by clicking here
OUT THERE is a Joint National *Queer Youth Development Project between the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Rainbow Youth. The aim of OUT THERE is to enhance the wellbeing of Queer youth within Aotearoa NZ. The project is endeavouring to combat queer based prejudice and discrimination through the development of environments that are safe and supportive of queer young people. Read more
New Zealand Association for Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) is a national network organisation for people who work with young people (12-25 years). The NZAAHD was founded in 1989 specifically to promote adolescent health and development. Read more
Sexuality Education for Young New Zealanders: read the Education Review Office Report on Sexuality Education for years 7-13. Read more
For more information on research into Gay, Bi-Sexual, Lesbian, Transexual and Intersex issues click here
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5920.html
In many US states, legislative and school board policies now mandate teaching about diversity and addressing bullying, with a specific focus on preventing anti-LGBT harassment. Curriculum guides now exist to help teachers of all grade levels have conversations about LGBT people and issues in age-appropriate ways,
This site provides interesting links to anti-discrimination educational learning tools for primary schools. The slogan for this group is
"Because reaching youth with anti-bias education that includes our communities is not optional for cultural change. It's elementary."
Also of interest re: pink news in general - http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/index.php