Queer youth survey launch
by BENJAMIN RILEY
Victoria University has launched Equal Play, a study examining the experiences of queer people aged 14–23 in sport and physical education.
Research officer Grant O’Sullivan told the Star Observer the study aimed to help improve the way schools and other organisations approach diversity in sports and physical education programs.
“Maybe at the end of it all [we will] be able to help make some recommendations that can feed into policy around education,” he said.
Chief investigator Caroline Simmons said the research could illuminate the damage caused by discrimination.
“We know that same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people… face significant discrimination and it impacts on their mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
“Sport [is] a challenging, if not hostile, environment, particularly for young gay men.”
