Teen talk says gender is not tied to biological sex

Sexual health doctors are being sent to some Brisbane high schools to ‘educate’ teens on their sexuality, including telling them their identity may be between “woman-ness’’ and “man-ness’’.

TEENS are being taught their gender is not tied to biological sex, in a controversial “Genderbread Person’’ lecture funded by taxpayers.

Queensland Health is sending a sexual health doctor to some Brisbane high schools to “expand the idea of sexuality beyond the narrow focus of sex and genitals’’.

The teen sex talk is titled the “Genderbread Person’’, based on a concept by self-described “social justice comedian” Sam Killermann, who has declared that boys who identify as male are “privileged’’.

The Genderbread.org website states that “gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation exist independent of one another’’.

A flyer explaining a ‘Genderbread person’

It says gender identity can be anywhere along a line between “woman-ness’’ and “man-ness’’ — including terms such as “two-spirit’’, “genderqueer’’, “amender’’, “bigender’’, “third-gender’’ and “transgender’’.

“If someone is born with male reproductive organs and genitalia, he is very likely to be raised as a boy, identify as a man, and express himself masculinely,’’ the website states.

“We call this identity “cisgender” — when your biological sex aligns with how you identify — and it grants a lot of privilege.’’

The lecture is presented by Queensland Health’s Metro North co-ordinator of sexual health, HIV and hepatitis, Dr Joseph Debattista.

In his note to schools, Dr Debattista says he will “present the concept of the Genderbread Person as a model for understanding sexuality’’.

“Firstly, it will be important to expand the idea of sexuality beyond the narrow focus of ‘sex and genitals’, and view it as the innate ability of all humans to share themselves and communicate who they are with others,’’ he states.

“To understand ourselves as individuals, we will be looking at the four layers of sexuality as presented in the Genderbread Model: biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression and exploring the nature and diversity of each layer.

“As we look at each layer, it will be emphasised that within each layer, there exists a range of possibilities or variations, and that each layer is independent of the other and is not necessarily connected.

“In this way, we must avoid making assumptions or generalisations about people’s expected behaviour and begin to appreciate the complexity and diversity of each person.’’

A Queensland Health spokeswoman said two or three schools each year asked for the gender lesson, which “is not part of the Genderbread program’’.

“It’s important for young people to learn about sexual health and safe sexual behaviour,’’ she said.

“Young people who identify as LGBTI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual) are more likely to attempt suicide, especially if they experience abuse and harassment.

“This education aims to promote understanding and respect for the dignity of all people.’’

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said the Genderbread program had been banned in NSW schools three years ago.

“Suicide prevention and awareness is important, but this discredited politically correct propaganda is not the answer,” she said.

“Genderbread teaches kids their instincts are almost always wrong and their gender identity can change dozens of times a day.

“We need to support confused and vulnerable kids and my fear is that this program will do more harm than good.”

An Education Department spokesman said school principals could request the gender lectures, and parents and students could opt out.

“The Department of Education does not mandate the use of specific programs regarding gender identity and schools are not required to report centrally on their use of programs or resources,’’ he said.

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