Film supports right to be who you are

The controversial film was screened after hours at Emerald Secondary College for students and community members.

By ANEEKA SIMONIS

A SAME-SEX attracted student from Emerald Secondary College said her school’s decision to screen controversial LGBTI film ‘Gayby Baby’ would further support those dealing with questions about sexuality and identity.
The Year 12 student, who came out as gay earlier this year, was one of several students planning to attend the community screening, from 6.30pm, on Friday night 28 August.
“The screening is about awareness and letting everyone know it’s OK to be who you are … all people are different and have experiences that are different,” she said.
Gayby Baby, a film about kids growing up with same-sex parents, has attracted nation-wide attention, with the New South Wales government enforcing bans against the screening of the film in state schools during class hours.
The VCE student, a key member of the school’s Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) group, described the interstate ban as “disappointing”, suggesting her school’s acceptance of sexually diverse individuals helped her come out.
“Everyone has the right to be who they are,” she said.
The school will screen the film during Wear it Purple day – a day in support of young people irrespective of their sex, sexuality or gender identity.
School principal Mike Jaremczuk said the screening, which invited students and community members to watch voluntarily, complements the school’s sexuality unit of education.
“The film is a reflection on the broader society … it’s about breaking down stigma and changing people’s perceptions on same-sex attraction,” he said.
Premier Daniel Andrews took to Facebook to condemn the NSW Government over its decision to ban in-school screenings, suggesting the decision would have negative implications on young people struggling to understand their own identity.
“All kids need to know there are lots of different kinds of families, and all kids need to know that the most important thing in any family is love,” he wrote.
“And this isn’t just about what young people might think of the movie.
“I’m also worried about what they might think of themselves.
“Young people who are same-sex attracted often lead a quietly difficult life and they deserve our full support.
“If you want to talk about things that confuse and distress young people, let’s talk about telling thousands upon thousands of them that they aren’t ‘normal’.
“No-one deserves that – and it’s just not true.
“We won’t put up with this kind of cruel rubbish in our state.”