Evaluating a gender diversity workshop to promote positive learning environments

LGBTIQA+ Learners in New Zealand Schools

“…The parent of a child with 'special needs' wrote that: "Inclusive education is essential because if you're not being included, you're excluded" (Tenacious, n.d.). Clearly, the experiences of LGBTIQA+ students identified in these described research projects, reveals not only exclusion, but a link between school culture, bullying and LGBTIQA+ students in New Zealand (Burford et al, 2017;Clarke et al, 2013). Research also indicates that non-LGBTIQA+ students want to be better informed and educated about these learners (Burford et al, 2017;Hemi & Mortlock, 2017).…”

“…This obligation extends to the one in five transgender students who feel bullied and the 40% of bisexual students who feel suicidal or depressed (Clarke et al, 2013). One possible strategy to address this concern emerged from the study considering the effect of workshops to educate students about LGBTIQA+ students (Burford et al, 2017). Findings suggest that students are willing to learn about these topics; they want to form a rational understanding of LGBTIQA+ students and, that workshops such as those provided by Rainbow Youth, provide this opportunity for positive education.…”

“…Another New Zealand based project aimed to assess students' feelings towards, before, and after a Rainbow Youth workshop on understanding sexual and gender minorities (Burford, Lucassen & Hamilton, 2017). By studying the reception of students to courses and workshops such as those run by Rainbow Youth the researchers endeavoured to understand whether or not providing more workshops could improve the outlook for LGBTIQA+ students in New Zealand.…”

“…They also considered whether these workshops could help non-LGBTIQA+ students become more accepting and compassionate towards their LGBTIQA+ peers. These academics wanted to identify whether or not students found workshops on gender diversity helpful in reducing understanding of sexual minorities, and therefore reducing bullying (Burford et al, 2017). An interesting facet of this study was the diversity represented in the wide range of participants.…”

“…Most participants (80%) in the Burford et al (2017) study believed a course such as the one organised by Rainbow Youth, would reduce bullying in their school and specifically, the bullying towards LGBTIQA+ students. The findings identify that while students may want to be more inclusive and caring towards LGBTIQA+ students, they do not necessarily know how to do this.…”