Bullies target transgender student at Wonthaggi Secondary College

More than 20 bullies have harassed a transgender student over his gender identity at a school in the Bass Coast.

Alex Slorach was harassed by students at Wonthaggi Secondary College. Picture: Supplied

Twenty students at a school in the Bass Coast have harassed a transgender student over the 14-year-old’s gender identity.

The group of teens tormented Year 9 Wonthaggi Secondary College student Alex Slorach at the school’s junior campus this week.

Alex said he was holding three pride flags when the boys, believed to be in Year 8, attacked him and his friends.

He was asked “are you a boy or a girl?”, “what’s in your pants?” and “if you have a d*** then show us”.

Alex also said one of the boys even tried to rip the flags from him to burn them.

“While asking these questions one of the boys started to mimic sexual movements,” he said.

“The group just kept getting bigger and bigger as time went on, even some people that I call friends were standing by close to the group watching as it got worse.”

Alex said the teens ran off when a teacher approached.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the school was aware of the incident and had taken immediate action.

The spokesperson said the school had a zero tolerance for any form of bullying and would not hesitate to take disciplinary action.

“Wonthaggi Secondary College provides a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, with dedicated education on issues of inclusion, diversity and bullying,” the spokesperson said.

Alex said he welcomed the school’s response to what was an “extremely uncomfortable” incident.

“I was spoken to about the consequences that were going to be given to the boys before anything was actually done and for me just knowing that the people around me are actually paying attention enough to respond is an amazing feeling,” he said.

“I think it was handled quite well this time and hope it can continue that way.”

Alex’s mum Denni Slorach said she was heartbroken her son had been attacked.

“I alternate between being angry, feeling sick and just being sad,” she said.

“I am beyond proud that he doesn’t choose to hide who he is, or shrink into the background to avoid the notice of people who take issue with Alex and his friends just being themselves.”

Mrs Slorach said her son had a strong support network around him.

“What happens when these kids move onto a kid who doesn’t have a support network?” she said.

Wonthaggi Secondary College junior campus. Picture: Paul O'Connor.

“We have had too many losses already.

“The homophobia, transphobia, sexual harassment, racism and bullying in general needs zero tolerance in the school, and even more importantly, the home and the community.”

The incident comes after a Year 9 student at the same school was racially attacked in videos circulated online by two students — one who was believed to be from her school.

Alex believes students need to be educated about race and the LGBTQ+ community to stop bullying.

“There were a few times where the LGBTQ+ community was mentioned in my classes but only with a few definitions which isn’t quite enough to actually help kids learn about the topic,” he said.

“It’s important to have the teachers learn more about the community as well, most teachers I have had have been amazing but there were a few that just didn’t get it no matter how many times I tried to explain.”

Alex said he would also like to see an introduction of events during pride month.

“We just need to spread more awareness in the school and show kids that who they are is beautiful and that showing their colours is nothing to be scared of,” he said.

“We need to show kids that there are people who will stand beside them through it all so they know they aren’t alone.”

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