Anti-homophobia campaign seeks gay youth
Same-sex attracted under 25-year-olds are currently being recruited to train as speakers for Same Difference, a high impact anti-homophobia education program.
Run by Family Planning NSW, it will be aimed at high school students, teachers and other professionals that work with young people.
Matthew Capell, 23, who trained as a panel speaker at 18, has recounted his story of growing up being same-sex attracted and his personal experiences of homophobia to hundreds of students and teachers as part of the Same Difference program.
“I became a panel speaker because I wanted to share my lived experience with others, to inspire and help young people to stand up against discrimination, in particular homophobia in schools,” Capell said.
The Writing Themselves in 3 national study on the sexual health and wellbeing of same-sex attracted and gender questioning young people found strong links between homophobic abuse and negative health indicators, including feeling unsafe, excessive drug use, self-harm and suicide attempts.
One of five components in Family Planning NSW’s Same Difference program, the panel speaker training aims to promote sexual diversity and combat homophobia in schools by empowering young people to share their personal experiences of homophobia.
Jonash Ocampo, 22, also completed the Same Difference training four years ago and went on to be employed as a casual panel speaker for Family Planning NSW at schools, teacher seminars and student representative council conferences.
“For so long, I struggled with accepting myself,” Ocampo said.
“But panel speaking gave me an arena where I could be myself – where the person inside wasn’t ridiculed or disrespected but valued and encouraged to grow.”
By telling audiences their personal stories, panel speakers can challenge homophobic stereotypes and help others overcome feelings of isolation.
“I think the most valuable thing I will take away from the experience is the satisfaction of knowing that I have made a difference in my community,” Ocampo said.
Both young men said that the panel speaking program not only developed their confidence and interpersonal skills but also opened up a range of other opportunities.
By telling audiences their personal stories, panel speakers can challenge homophobic stereotypes and help others overcome feelings of isolation.
Open to 18 to 24-year-olds who are same-sex attracted, participants learn public speaking skills, personal story construction, setting personal boundaries and dealing with difficult questions from the audience.
The training is free and travel money and lunch are provided. It is held in Sydney over two full Saturdays on February 9 and 16, 2013.
