In this episode Leon from SHV talks about embedding a whole school approach to Relationships and Sexuality Education. SHV are working in partnership with a secondary school in Melbourne’s Northwestern growth corridor. Leon unpacks some of the challenges and learnings from working with a large, new, multicultural school.

Resources:

Some supporting policies to inform a Relationships and Sexuality Education program are: Child Safe Standards; Sexuality and Consent Education Policy; LGBTIQA+ support policy. See Strategic Partnerships Program.  More information about SHV @ shvic.org.au.

In this episode we speak to performers Dean Arcuri & Jacob Thomas. Sometimes they run Drag Storytime events. Listen to Dean and Jacob describe the many ways that these events bring community, performance and storytelling together in a safe inclusive way for all.

Resources:

See  Dean at Dean Arcuri and LinkedIn. Find Jacob Thomas on LinkedIn. See Rainbow Community Angels for events and news.

For more information about SHV @ shvic.org.au.

In this episode Dr Jacqui Hendriks talks about her recent research. Jacqui has led the First national survey of Australian parents and their attitudes towards relationships and sexuality education in schools.

Resources:

See Dr Jacqui Hendriks Curtain University bio. See research: Support for school-based relationships and sexual health education: a national survey of Australian parents. For more information about SHV @ shvic.org.au.

In this episode, two families share their stories of making babies using Assisted Reproductive Technology. Sue and Linda explain some of the process and how they decided to talk to their children about it. Their children, Emily and Elsie, talk about what they understand about how they were conceived.

Resources:

SHV have free teacher resources to assist with classroom teaching of Assisted Reproduction. These were developed with the support of Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA)

For more about SHV, go to @ shvic.org.au.

In this episode, chair of Intersex Human Rights Dr Agli Zavros-Orr speaks of their advocacy work and their lived experience as a person born with an intersex variation. Young people often ask us how bodies can be different. Agli helps explain the diversity of human sex characteristics.

Resources:

See more at Intersex Human Rights Australia. Find Agli’s research at research gate.

See book Raising Rosie for families.

For more about SHV @ shvic.org.au.

Part 7 of 7. eSafety. Australia’s Online Safety Regulator.

This series of podcasts is produced with the support of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

We will look closely at how young people might engage with sexual content online and how parents and carers can get involved in this discussion.

In this episode Sharon Trotter Education Manager of Education, Prevention and Inclusion talks about the scope of eSafety and the role that they have in prevention of harm online.

See eSafety at https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Sexual Health Victoria at https://shvic.org.au/ 

Part 6 of 7. Pornography.

This series of podcasts is produced with the support of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

We will look closely at how young people might engage with sexual content online and how parents and carers can get involved in this discussion.

In this episode Dr Zahra Stardust talks about the cultural context of pornography and how consent is vital for its production and distribution. Vanessa Hamilton speaks about her experiences in talking to families about young people, sex and pornography.

See bio for Zahra Stardust. See Talking the Talk (Vanessa Hamilton)

See  Mind The Gap eSafety research.

See eSafety at https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Sexual Health Victoria at https://shvic.org.au/ 

 

Part 5 of 7. Sexting.

This series of podcasts is produced with the support of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

We will look closely at how young people might engage with sexual content online and how parents and carers can get involved in this discussion.

In this episode Dr. Kath Albury and SHV Health Promotion Officer Zara, discuss the language and context of young people sharing sexual pictures.

See Youth Law Australia for legal information. See Dr Kath Albury, Swinburne University.

See eSafety at https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Sexual Health Victoria at https://shvic.org.au/ 

Part 4 of 7. What is grooming?

This series of podcasts is produced with the support of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

We will look closely at how young people might engage with sexual content online and how parents and carers can get involved in this discussion.

In this episode Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling talks about what grooming is and how the police go about education and investigations.

Grooming can be reported through Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation. Also AFP Child Protection Operations (CPO) team. See also Think U Know educational resources.

See eSafety at https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Sexual Health Victoria at https://shvic.org.au/ 

Part 3 of 7. Inappropriate.

This series of podcasts is produced with the support of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

We will look closely at how young people might engage with sexual content online and how parents and carers can get involved in this discussion.

In this episode we will discuss the word inappropriate. Greg from eSafety talks through the classification system and Fida talks about the appropriateness of RSE in faith based schools.

More about the Australian classification system. See information about Fida Sanjakdar.

See eSafety at https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Sexual Health Victoria at https://shvic.org.au/ 

Part 2 of 7. Curriculum.

This series of podcasts is produced with the support of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

We will look closely at how young people might engage with sexual content online and how parents and carers can get involved in this discussion.

In this episode listen to educators talk about how the curriculum includes opportunities to deliver sessions around esafety and sexual content.

Find the Resilience Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum on FUSE.

See more about Bec Martin and Evolve Education.

See eSafety at https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Sexual Health Victoria at https://shvic.org.au/ 

Part 1 of 7. What is the Problem?

This series of podcasts is produced with the support of the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

We will look closely at how young people might engage with sexual content online and how parents and carers can get involved in this discussion.

In this episode listen to parents, a wellbeing coordinator and eSafety talk about why this is a conversation you need to have with the young people in your life.

Find out more about eSafety at esafety.gov.au

Find out more about Sexual Health Victoria at shvic.org.au

In this episode we talk to Krushnadevsinh Ravalji (Kano). Kano is the Youth Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. We ask him about how educators can ensure that Relationships and Sexuality Education is inclusive and respectful for the multicultural communities that we work with.

Resources:

See more about Kano at the Third Culture. Find Kano on LinkedIn. See Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health for information and many translated health resources.

For more information about SHV @ shvic.org.au.

In this episode Sarah from marketing talks about our new name: Sexual Health Victoria. 

Thanks for all the support over the last two years of Doing 'IT'. There is lots more to come in 2022. Please get in touch with feedback or suggestions. doingit@shvic.org.au. 

 

In this episode CEO of Pink Hope, Sarah Powell talks about the importance of breast awareness. Pink Hope is a preventative health hub designed to connect and inform people about cancer risk. Young people frequently ask questions about breasts during puberty. So, what could we tell them about breast cancer risk? 

Resources:

See Pink Hope for more information www.pinkhope.org.au . Find information on family history and cancer at the Cancer Council. For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.

In this Episode FPV Schools and Community Manager Brendan Bailey speaks about the principals of trauma informed practice. We know that we deliver sessions to students, teachers and parents who have been impacted by traumatic experiences. So how can we safely deliver information about sex and sexuality with this in mind.

Resources:

See Berry St Education Model. For more information about FPV including educational resources go to  fpv.org.au.

In this episode Dr Karin Hammarberg explains what happens when people need medical help to make a baby. We talk about what has changed and what the future of fertility treatments might be.

Resources:

More about Dr Karin Hammarberg, Monash University. See VARTA for information about ART, including how to discuss this with children. FPV  teaching resources and  self paced online learning module teach ART to school students. For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.

In this episode we speak with Bec Martin from Evolve Education. Evolve delivers cyber safety information to school aged children and families. Bec has worked extensively as a teacher with primary-aged children to support age-appropriate Digital Wellbeing and Cybersafety. Anne and Bec discuss the links between Relationships and Sexuality Education and Cybersafety to navigate the likelihood that young people find sexual content online. 

Resources:  

See Evolve Education. Bec recommends the Beacon App. Resources, information, reporting and research see eSafety Commisioner also safety guide . Simple, state based legal information at Youth Law Australia. For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. 

In this episode we speak to author Nevo Zisin. Nevo’s new book The Pronoun Lowdown is a simple guide to the changing language around gender. Nevo makes it really clear how and why this is so important to the trans and gender diverse community.  

Resources: 

Find more information about Nevo Zisin and their book The Pronoun Lowdown. Minus 18 for support and information. Documentary Disclosure about trans representation in film. For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. 

In this episode, Cath from 1800MYOPTIONS talks us through the common questions people call with about sexual health. This is a fantastic service to know about and make sure the young people in your life know about too.

Resources:  

Visit www.1800myoptions.org.au for contact details, and information. Call 1800MYOPTIONS on 1800 696 784. Or For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.  

18000MYOPTIONS has answered over 14000 calls from people seeking advice and referrals about sexual and reproductive health.

Many callers want to know more about pregnancy options. In this episode, Cath tells us what people want to know when they have questions about abortion.

Resources:  

Visit www.1800myoptions.org.au for contact details, and information. Call 1800MYOPTIONS on 1800 696 784. Or For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.  

Over the next 3 episodes I will be talking to Emily and Cath who work with 1800MYOPTIONS.  

1800 My Options is a free, confidential and independent phone service that provides information and pathways to sexual and reproductive health services in Victoria – such as abortion, contraception, pregnancy options and STI testing.

In this episode, Emily tells us exactly what callers want to know about contraception.

Resources:  

Visit www.1800myoptions.org.au for contact details, and information. Call 1800MYOPTIONS on 1800 696 784. Or For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.  

In this episode we deep dive into the navigating the world of sexual consent. We discuss how effective communication skills positively impact pleasurable experiences and what that means both emotionally and legally for young people. We discuss with Sue our expert educator how consent applies to real world experiences and how it can have devastating outcomes if not clearly understood and defined. This is an episode not to miss.

Resources: 

Testimonies and petition from Chanel Contos at Teach us Consent.  Educate 2 Empower Publishing for picture books on bodily autonomy. Blue seat studios  Consent Is Like A Cup Of Tea and other animated resources. See clip by @theroyals and Clementine Ford explaining consent. Book by Yumi Stymes & Dr Melissa Kang Welcome to Consent. ALL our educational resources are relevant to a conversation about consent go to fpv.org.au. 

In this episode we speak to the 2023 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Imogen Kane. This role saw Imogen travel Australia to meet with young people to find out what was important to them. Hear what Imogen learned about the generational divide, sexuality and relationships and the importance of listening.

Resources:

See Imogen Kane and the UN listening tour. For help learning about the programs that YP are using see the eSafety guide.  Youth Affairs Council Victoria has some great information about youth participation and co-design.  Find Sexual Health Victoria at shvic.org.au. 

 

Here at FPV, we are frequently asked about the use of menstrual cups, so we invited Dr Sara, our resident GP, to share her insights. In this episode, we discuss the rise in popularity of menstrual cups as people seek new environmentally friendly ways to manage their periods.

Resources:

Lunette sells menstrual cups. They also have a youtube channel with short videos about menstrual cups.  Diva Cups also have website and information. Also see Diva Cup smaller sizes marketed for under 18’s. See Choice article and abc daily life about menstrual cups. For clinic appointments and information go to fpv.org.au.

In this episode we talk to triple J presenter and author Bridget Hustwaite.  Bridget shares her experience of endometriosis. It can take a long time to be diagnosed with this chronic disease as it is much misunderstood. We talk about her book ‘How To Endo’ and her insta community ’Endogram’ to help take you on the journey.

Resources: 

Bridget has a webpage for more information about her including social media links. How to Endo is available in bookstores. Bridget's Instagram community Endogram. Bridget also mentioned QENDO and Endoactive. Also see Endometriosis Australia for advice and information. For more information about FPV  including clinic appointments @ fpv.org.au. 

In this episode, Olivia talks about her experience of being one of two mums in a proud rainbow family. She shares her experiences on starting a family, growing up, and how the marriage equality bill has impacted her family. 

Resources: 

Australian Institute of Family Studies for research around same sex parented families.  Victorian Pride Centre is a hub for a range of LGBTIQ+ focused organisations. Minus 18 for young LGBTIQ+ people and their families. For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. 

In this episode comedian, Simon Taylor discusses his book ‘One Night Stand’. Simon candidly shares his real-life experience of a casual sexual encounter followed by an unplanned pregnancy. We discuss relationships, sexual health, contraception and what he wishes to tell his younger self.   

Resources: 

Simon Taylor online at simontaylorfunnyboy.com  for upcoming shows, social media, book sales and contact details.  See FPV, for contraception options and judgement-free sexual health information  fpv.org.au. 

In this episode Professor Kath Albury draws on her research to discuss ethical considerations around young people exchanging sexual pictures. Kath discusses how online sexual behaviour, the law and adult expectations do not always match.

Resources:

See Professor Kath Albury on Swinburne University website. Relevant research papers are Young People and Sexting in Australia: ethics, representation and the law'(2013)  & Safety, Risk and Wellbeing on Dating Apps. Also see eSafety Commisioner on sexting & sextortion.  For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.

In this episode FPV educator Andrea talks about children seeing pornography. It is usual for young people to be curious about bodies and sex and they sometimes look to the internet to provide this information. Parents and carers often tell us that they don’t know how or when to start a conversation about pornography, even if they are worried about the potential harms of seeing it. Listen for some ideas. 

Resources:  

Esafety  for research and resources about pornography. Esafety advice for parents / carers on talking about pornography. See research at Australian Institute of Family Studies. Its Time We Talked  website and program by Maree Crabbe and David Corlett for information about young people and pornography. Good Pictures , Bad Pictures jnr picture book by Kristen Jenson. Someone should Have Told Me  by Hollyann Martin. Keep It Real Online New Zealand campaign to help start a conversation about pornography. For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. 

In this episode Andrew from Victoria Legal Aid explains the legalities of sexting. We talk through some scenarios that young people often ask about. Understanding sexting and the law is a great way to get this conversation started at home.  Note: laws vary between states. Victorian laws are explained in this episode.  Resources: Victoria Legal Aid for simple explanations of the law. VLA education kit for teachers called ‘Sex, young people and the law’. Youth Law Australia for all states and territories in Australia. The eSafety Commissioner for reporting image-based abuse & illegal and harmful content. Victoria Police for information on reporting a sexual crime.  Our previous episode on consent for more details on how we talk about this with young people. More information about fpv go to fpv.org.au. 

In this episode Clare from Victoria Legal Aid talks through the laws about sex that young people should know. These include age of consent, laws around viewing pornography, and explanations of grooming.

Resources:

Go to Victoria Legal Aid for explanations of the law 1300 792 387. VLA education kit for teachers called ‘Sex, young people and the law’. Youth Law Australia for state-based laws in Australia.  Victoria Police provides information on reporting a sexual crime.  Our previous episode on consent for more details on talking about this with young people. Clare recommends Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, Sexual Assault Crisis Line run by CASA 1800 806 292.More information about fpv go to fpv.org.au.

In this episode, author and publisher Jayneen Sanders talks about her vision to empower young people from a young age with body safety information and protective behaviours. Her aim is to help keep children safe from abuse. Jayneen writes and publishes books and resources, which can be used by teachers, parents and carers. These can help with conversations about sometimes challenging topics like safe or unsafe secrets and body autonomy. Resources: See Jayneen Sanders titles and teacher resources at Educate 2 Empower Publishing. Download Early Warning Signs and Body Safety Rules posters. For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.      

Often people think that Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is only for students in senior years of primary school or secondary school. However, there is a lot of information that can be taught to children even before they get to school. Expert educator Athi from Family Planning Victoria, talks about what could be included in an RSE program in pre-school or kindergarten. 

Resources:

More information about FPV go to fpv.org.au. See information about Child Safe Standards. Book- Everyones Got A Bottom by Tess Rowley. . 

In this episode we speak to Anita Brown Major about the sexual response cycle. As an occupational therapist, Anita uses her understanding of physiology to help people understand their own bodies, including what happens during a sexual experience. Sexual response and pleasure is the part of sexuality education that most adults did not receive and is still often not discussed in education. Anita helps us understand more.

Resources:

Find out more about Anita Brown Major at Thrive Rehab. See online orders for a Cliterate model.  See SHV sexual and reproductive anatomy illustrations. Listen to episode #14 The Clitoris. Extra reading about sex and sexual response see Emily Nagoski Come As you Are. Find Sexual Health Victoria at shvic.org.au.

In this episode Anne speaks with Karen Molhuysen from Sexual Health Quarters in Western Australia. SHQ is part of the Family Planning Alliance Australia, and does very similar work to FPV. Karen has some practical advice on starting a conversation about sex with the idea that sex is most often about pleasure.  Resources: See Sexual Health Quarters.  World Health Organisation definition of sexual health. Research and recommendations about Sexuality Education see the UNESCO International technical guidance on sexuality education: an evidence-informed approach. Scarleteen has articles for young people on sexual health and sexual pleasure. For FPV school programs, resources and lesson plans go to the schools portal or fpv.org.au.

In this episode Anne talks to Dr Gemma Sharp. Gemma is a clinical psychologist and Senior Research Fellow in the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre where she leads the Body Image Research Group. Gemma discusses young people and genital self image, the rising popularity of labiaplasty surgery and the positive impact education can have on body image. Resources: For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au.  Parents and carers can register interest in having a 13-15 year old girl participate in Gemma’s latest research about young people and genital self image (available at time of publication) . Dr Gemma Sharp twitter page and Monash University biography  including links to research. Watch Gemma’s TED talk. Have a look at Women’s Health Victoria Labia Library.

In this episode we provide some small RSE homework tasks for each year level. FPV Schools Manager Bonnie details the skills and knowledge we would like students to have at different stages of their schooling. It is possible that due to COVID restrictions, students may miss out on planned RSE classes this year. Parents and carers who try a recommended task will be helping prepare their children for when life returns to something more like normal. Resources For more information about FPV and our school programs go to fpv.org.au. Youth Law Australia has state by state information about laws relating to sex and sexting. eSafety Commissioner for information about keeping safe online including talking about pornography with young people. PDF cheat sheet of homework tasks.

In this episode Anne speaks with criminal lawyer Katrina Marson. Katrina has done extensive international research into Relationships and Sexuality Education as a preventive strategy to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in the community. Katrina discusses the potential impact of RSE programs, barriers to success, and what models work well in other parts of the world.

Resources:

For more information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Katrina Marson's paper Ignorance is not Innocence. UNESCO International technical guidance on sexuality education: An evidence-informed approach(2018).

In this episode FPV Medical Director Dr Kathy McNamee explains the process of abortion. This is something that students in secondary school often ask about. Young people want to know about availability and privacy of abortion services. Kathy covers  Australian laws around abortion, what might happen to someone’s body during an abortion and what support a person might need before and after an abortion.

Resources:

Go to FPV website. 1800myoptions is a Victorian service for information about sexual health choices and service providers. Marie Stopes is a national organisation providing sexual health and abortion services.  The Royal Women’s Hospital has information about unplanned pregnancy. The Museum of Contraception and Abortion provides some historical context to the dangerous things women have tried over the centuries to end a pregnancy.

 

In this episode Anne talks with Family Planning Victoria Dr Sara Whitburn and pharmacist David from Woodhouse Grove Pharmacy about emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy if no contraceptive protection was used, if the condom broke, or if a contraceptive pill was missed. It's yet another important part of the sexual health conversation parents and carers can have with their young people. Dr Sara talks about how emergency contraception works and David talks through the process of purchasing this at a pharmacy.

Resources:

We have information on the FPV website about contraception. 1800myoptions is a Victorian service which compiles information about sexual health choices and service providers. The Royal Women’s Hospital for information about asking a pharmacist for Emergency Contraception. The Museum of Contraception and Abortion provides some historical context to ending or preventing pregnancy.

In this episode Anne speaks to FPV's Dr Lucy Donovan, about preventing human immunodeficiency virus or HIV through the use of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP and PEP are ways of using anti-viral medication to suppress HIV and stop its spread. PrEP and PEP might be used by people of all genders. Talking about these medications is an important part of a discussion about STI and BBV risk and safer sex practices.  Many parents and carers aren't aware of how they are used, so here are the basics to get the conversation started.   Resources: Search "PrEP" on FPV's website, You can get information on how to access PrEP and PEP in Australia at www.pan.org.au . Other Victorian websites to look up for information include Thorne Harbour Health and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.   

In this episode Dr Suzanne Pearson from FPV talks through Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI's). Learning about STI's is part of gaining an understanding of sexual health. Suzanne talks about the effect of STI's when they are not diagnosed and the availability of treatment. Also, the importance for young people to be confident to ask for testing and being able to discuss testing status with sexual partners. 

Resources: 

See the FPV website about Sexually Transmissible Infections. Rosie Respect & Scarleteen are websites for young people providing information about sex and relationships, including  information about STI’s. A GP or sexual health clinic such as Family Planning Victoria will have information on services for testing and treatment.

In this episode Dr Lona Brown from Family Planning Victoria talks about contraception. This is an important part of our secondary school sex education. Lona talks through up to date information about contraception, including efficacy, cost and privacy. It's important for young people to have this information, so they are able to be responsible for their own sexual health and support their sexual partners. Resources: See FPV website about contraception. 1800myoptions is a Victorian service which compiles information about sexual health choices and service providers. Jean Hailles for Women’s Health also has information.  The Museum of Contraception and Abortion for some historical context to pregnancy prevention.

In this episode, FPV Chief Executive Officer, Claire Vissenga talks about pleasure. One of the most common reasons for people to choose a sexual relationship is the pursuit of pleasure. Yet discussions of pleasure are left out of curriculum and policy. Claire talks through FPV’s approach to this discussion and its importance.

Resources listed in the podcast:

World Health Organisation definition of sexual health. Research and recommendations about Sexuality Education see the UNESCO International technical guidance on sexuality education: an evidence-informed approach. Scarleteen has articles for young people on sexual health and sexual pleasure. Information about FPV school programs including resources and lesson plans go to the schools portal on the FPV website.

More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at doingit@fpv.org.au.

The everybody education team at Sexual Health Victoria sometimes get questions about how we discuss gender, sex and sexuality in a classroom. In this episode SHV expert educator Chrissy is going to talk through what we say and why we say it.

Resources:

See Victorian Child Safe Standards and Victoria Department of Education LGBTIQ Student Support Policy.  See research Writing themselves in 4. Advocacy organisation Intersex Human Rights. See Minus 18 for resources and Inclusive Language Guide. Transcend Australia support families, parents and carers of gender diverse young people.

In this episode, Natalie from FPV talks us through inclusive language and how it applies to the way we talk about relationships and sexuality. In her work as Community Engagement and Health Promotions Officer, Natalie talks with many community groups to find out what is important to them, making FPV's services more inclusive and accessible. We discuss the importance of pronouns, define some key terms and are encouraged to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that we all carry. Enjoy!

Resources listed in the podcast are:

Tasmanian Education Department Guidelines for Inclusive Language.  Australian Institute of Family Studies glossary of terms. Minus 18 has great resources for schools and families. The Diversity Council includes short videos about inclusive language in the workplace. Melbourne Bisexual Network for community led advocacy of bisexual+ health. Also see ACON Inclusive language guide.

More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us directly at doingit@fpv.org.au.

In this episode, sexual health nurse Alison everything you ever wanted to know about condoms. As Educators, we are frequently asked to talk about condoms in our classes. Upper primary school children often have questions about them. Secondary school students get a lot more information about what condoms are, what they are used for and how to use them. We also discuss how to talk to young people about what to do if sex without a condom happens. Condoms are the only type of contraception that protects against both STI’s (sexually transmissible infections) and pregnancy. This is important information for everyone to know before they have a sexual experience. Enjoy!

Resources:

Access a wealth of information about condoms the FPV website or on the Kidshealth site. For more information about the sexual behaviour of young Australians have a look at the 6th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2019. by Australian Research  Centre into Sex Health and Society at La Trobe University. Or have a listen to our episode about this research here.

More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us at doingit@fpv.org.au.

In this episode, we interview writer and LGBTIQ advocate Jac Tomlins.

Jac has created a resource called Trans and Gender Diverse Parents Guide. In it, she records the experience of parenting as a transgender, gender diverse person or a person who is transitioning while parenting. These individual stories are published together to start building a picture of a collective experience and provide insights and advice for people within the community (LGBTIQ and more broadly). Children often have questions about what it means to be transgender and what that might mean for someone's fertility. This guide provides insight into this experience and guidance on ways to communicate this to young people. Enjoy! le. 

Resources:

Information about Jac Tomlins at her website. The resource TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE PARENTS GUIDE  available through Jac’s website also at Rainbow Families. The guide ends with a list of resources state by state, nationally and internationally, they include: Transgender Victoria; The Gender Centre; World Professional Association of Transgender Health.

More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au. Contact us at doingit@fpv.org.au.

In this episode, we interview Kate Bourne from the Victorian Assisted Reproduction Treatment Authority (VARTA). VARTA is responsible for the registration of reproductive clinics, public education, donor conception registers and can connect people with a sperm or egg donor.

Statistically, there is a child in every class who was conceived through some kind of Assisted Reproductive Technology. When FPV run classes in primary school about making babies we talk about IVF and other types of Assisted Reproductive Technology. We think it is important that all types of conception are included.

Kate discusses the role of VARTA, provides guidance about what to say to children about alternative methods of conception, and when to have those conversations.

Enjoy! 

Resources:

VARTA website for news about fertility, includes links to support groups. VARTA page titled When to tell: ages and stages giving detailed advice on how to tell children about IVF or ART at different ages.  The Donor Conception Network  for books to help explain different types of conception. Corey Silverberg’s book – What Makes A Baby  is a great book to start a conversation about babies no matter how they were conceived.

VARTA & FPV teaching module is a classroom resource to use for students grade 3- 10 when teaching about Assisted Reproductive Technology.

More information about FPV @ fpv.org.au