By Aneeka Simonis
STUDENTS at Emerald Secondary College took part in a special LGBTI pride event on 16 August.
Before school got started on Friday, students got together to raise a rainbow flag as part of a special ceremony, seeking to raise awareness about bullying, harassment and discrimination faced by young people who identify as same sex attracted and or gender diverse.
The flag-raising ceremony formed part of the wider national ‘Wear it Purple’ event.
Council’s Youth Service co-ordinator Emma Carter said they worked in partnership with schools such as Emerald Secondary College and Kooweerup Secondary College to create a safe and welcoming environment for students.
“Council’s Youth Services team provides support and programs for Same Sex Attracted, Sex and Gender Diverse (SSASGD) young people and their families alongside other personal development and recreational programs that are offered to young people aged 12 to 25 across Cardinia Shire.”
