Room to bloom

A trilogy of success

As we stepped into the third year of Pride in Schools, the event’s significance continued to grow. It is not just a celebration but a powerful statement of solidarity with the LGBTIQA+ community. By fostering an environment where queer youth can thrive, the Pride in Schools Event is helping to shape a more inclusive future.

This remarkable initiative is designed to celebrate and uplift the queer young people in local secondary schools. From its inception, the event has sought to provide a safe space where students can express their identities freely, engage with like-minded peers, and access valuable resources that promote understanding and acceptance.

Nearly 70 young people signed up to attend the event, which was held during Pride month, with six education settings bringing delegations of students. Pride in Schools has seen increased numbers and interest from local schools.

June’s event was created with the goal of making meaningful impact on the young people who participated, with three sessions. One session, hosted by QHub Ballarat, a centre for LGBTIQA+ young people, outlined progress made implementing ideas put forward the previous year. Young people saw firsthand that their voices were heard and valued, and their ideas were put into action.

In each successive Pride in Schools event, we’ve witnessed the confidence of the young participants rise. It’s so much more than just a day of celebration—it’s a vital part of building a supportive network for queer youth. By providing a platform for students to share their experiences and connect with others, the day helps to reduce feelings of isolation and empower young people to embrace their identities with pride.

The event’s continued success is a testament to the dedication of volunteers, organisations and the entire community who work tirelessly to create a more inclusive environment for queer young people.

Signalling Safety

A collective art project evolved from a focus of the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership in Ballarat to incorporate elements in their environment which would communicate safety and inclusion.

Young people from 3 Pride in Schools groups contributed images depicting aspects of their schools that evoked feelings of safety and made them feel valued as queer identifying students.

The Queer Youth Voice Collage which occupies a whole wall, is prominently displayed in the Academy. Young contributors spoke at the official launch of the artwork and also spent time with the Minister for Education, Ben Carroll.

“The pieces we submitted into the collage are so monumental
to not only myself, but also to the space, (and what)  it represents to other young queer identifying
students.” Collage contributor, Pride group participant