People rallied demanding the federal government restore and refund the anti-bullying, pro-sex and gender diverse Safe Schools program.
High school students have spoken out at numerous rallies across the country in defense of the program at their schools.
The campaign gained a boost early this week with news that the ACT governments and Victorian governments were continuing the program in its full form.
Sydney
In Sydney 400 people came out.
The Liberal Baird government is supporting the gutting and defunding of the program.
Great Trans, Highschool and young queers dominated the speaking platform and support from the Teachers Federation was read out to cheers.
The police refused the organisers the right to March but rainbow chalking and a footpath walk to NSW parliament added energy to a vibrant rally. People pledged to return until the program was restored and funded.
Photos by Zebedee Parkes
Safe Schools Saves Lives - Mimi Ann speaks at the Sydney rally.'The old men in parliament they don't experience safe schools — they don't see the change that happens. Go through a day of school and you get picked on, you get hurt hurt and you get put down. We have youth that need this help and you are trying to take this away from us.'
— Mimi Ann, a high school student, speaking outside NSW parlmaiment as part of the protest to save the Safe Shools program.Check out photos and rally reports from around the country here: https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/61402
Posted by Green Left Weekly on Wednesday, 23 March 2016
Perth
In Perth the rally was an impassioned show of community support for LGBTIQ youth.
A wide range of organisations attended, including PFlag, Transmen of WA, and several trade unions.
The crowd heard from Mt Lawley high school student Oscar Kaspi-Crutchett, who spoke about the recent harassment of students at his school by the Christian Right over the safe schools program. Melissa Scarr, the mother of 11 year old trans boy Jacob Scarr, spoke about how the Safe Schools a Program has made a huge difference for her son.
After the official speakers, a long queue lined up to speak on the open mike. The crowd heard one harrowing story after another of school bullying and prejudice, highlighting the desperate need for the safe schools program.
Photos by Ali Raza
A 'national disgrace' to attack Safe Schools programOscar Kaspi-Crutchett speaking at #Perth rally to save #SafeSchools on March 21.#AusPol #LGBTISee more photos and story: https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/61402
Posted by Green Left Weekly on Friday, March 25, 2016
Melbourne
a vibrant 3000 person protest in Melbourne's CBD on the back of a 200 strong rally in Belgrave (suburb of Melbourne).
Photos by Chris Peterson
Adelaide
Around 200 people came out. Community speakers, including two very eloquent high school students, two mums of trans kids and an 8 year old trans boy. Unions including the AEU and ASU and politicians from the Greens and Labor also spoke at the rally.
Photos by Gemma Weedall
Brisbane
About 200 people came out in Brisbane.
Photos by Bec El
Photo by Feargal McGovern
Deakin University
More photos from Perth