Welcome to "Understanding homophobia in Rural Schools" survey.

This confidential and anonymous survey is being conducted by OUTthere, Rural Victorian Youth Council for Sexual Diversity. We know from our own experiences that homophobia is an issue for many young people and workers whether they are gay, straight, bi or not sure. We would like to get some more information from others about their experiences.

In this survey, the word 'homophobia' means being hurtful and discriminatory towards people because they are same sex attracted. Sometimes people who are straight (heterosexual) are also subjected to homophobic discrimination as a way of insulting and/or putting them down. It may be deliberate like calling someone a "faggot" and/or throwing rocks at them. It may also be unintentional like saying "that's so gay" to describe anything bad.

All the information you provide will be collated into a report, with recommendations that will be presented to the Victorian government. Based on your input, we hope that improvements can be made to ensure that all schools are welcoming and safe environments for everyone.

OUTthere is an initiative of WayOut, Victorian Youth & Sexual Diversity Project, Cobaw Community Health Service, Kyneton. For further information contact Sue Hackney, Coordinator, tel 5421 1619 or sue.hackney@cobaw.vic.gov.au