One of Auckland's top boys' schools has built a new unisex toilet block to cater for transgender students in the future.
It's the latest step Auckland Grammar is taking towards gaining the Rainbow Tick - which specifically recognises and welcomes sexual and gender diversity. Headmaster Tim O'Connor said the concept came about when school officials realised young men want more privacy in school and public toilets. "We responded to that, but also in the back of our mind has been diversity, and the reality, that at some point in the future we will have students who identify themselves as transgender or in the LGBT community." O'Connor said Auckland Grammar did not have any transgender students attending school at the moment, but they had been thinking about what would happen in the future when it came to accepting students who would not be biologically boys but rather girls transitioning.
"We've thought about it, and for boys' schools it's a big topic being discussed around the world. "In other countries they're much more advanced in being prepared, than we are. In attending those conferences, we've realised we've been a little bit naive, and that we needed to prepare so it's not a shock." When asked about the reaction from students, O'Connor said he thought adults typically underestimated where the younger generation was at.
"We're the ones who have bigger hang-ups about bigotry and LGBTQ". He was also confident that homophobia at the school was improving. "Absolutely. The key is to name it and have conversations with the boys. The use of 'gay' as a colloquial phrase is present in our society, particularly amongst young people."When you name it and say you could actually be offending someone else - our boys have understood that, and we're seeing a positive reaction to it."
==========================================================
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Boxing Day Alert! Grab a Mattress That Feels Out of This World
Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep on a mattress designed by NASA? Tempur started in space, and now it’s here to give you next-level comfort right at home!
Imagine a mattress that cradles every curve, reduces pressure, blocks your partner’s tossing and turning, and lasts for years. Side sleeper, back sleeper, or somewhere in between - there’s a Tempur just for you.
Even better? Perfect timing! Our Boxing Day Sale is happening now! It’s the perfect chance to grab your dream mattress and upgrade your sleep before the year ends.
Find your nearest Beds4U store: beds4u.co.nz...
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz...
Want to learn more about Tempur mattresses before you buy? Check out our guide here: beds4u.co.nz...
Neighbours, your dream bed is waiting - don’t let another sleepless night pass!
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
-
83.3% Same!
-
16.7% Would have liked to try something different
Loading…
