Unisex toilet blocks in schools are the way of the future, according to Working It Out executive officer Susan Ditter.
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In an effort to keep students feeling less vulnerable, safe and confident at school, Ms Ditter said we needed to invest in unisex change rooms that are made up of separate cubicles for each student.
She added that a teacher should also be supervising the space to ensure no bullying occurs.
“It’s not just LGBTI students who feel unsafe in change rooms and toilets, and unisex change rooms are going to be the way of the future,” Ms Ditter said.
“There is the potential for bullying and aggression in those spaces that aren’t supervised and a person feels very vulnerable.
“I hope that with every new school that’s built and with every capital expenditure in schools that we’re working towards this.”
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said students were already taught what can influence gender and sexual identities in health and physical education classes at schools.
“The Department of Education first convened a LGBTI Issues in Education Strategic Working Group in 2012 … which provides information about how to make a very real difference to students through inclusive learning and teaching practices, and establishing supportive and respectful school cultures,” Mr Rockliff said.