Every Student
Deserves a
Safe School.
Rainbows in Schools is a volunteer-run, nonprofit association of parents and teachers building greater support and inclusion for LGBTQI students and families in Australian school communities — through advocacy, campaigns and resources.
“We want to see greater support and inclusion of LGBTQI students and families in Australian school communities.”
Parents & Teachers
Building Inclusion
Rainbows in Schools is a volunteer-run, nonprofit, unincorporated association of parents and teachers who want to see greater support and inclusion of LGBTQI students and families in Australian school communities.
It was started by LGBTQI and ally parents looking for ways to improve the way their children’s schools were responding to the increased homophobia and transphobia that resulted from the marriage equality postal survey in 2017. We have undertaken a number of projects building the capacity of parents to advocate for greater affirmation of family, sexual, gender and bodily diversity in primary schools.
We welcome people from all over Australia who identify as LGBTQIA+, and those who identify as allies. There is currently no joining fee, and we respect your privacy completely.
Rainbow Collaboration Launched
An online platform started by two members so that parents across Darebin schools could share information and advocacy strategies for LGBTQI inclusion.
Darebin Family Fun Day
Organised in just three and a half weeks by six members, the free community event drew over 2,000 people to celebrate rainbow families during the marriage equality debate.
Rainbows in Schools Survey
Launched online, reaching 346 parents and teachers in three weeks. Asked what LGBTQI-inclusive actions schools were taking, and what barriers existed.
Official Nonprofit Association
Rainbows in Schools formally became a not-for-profit unincorporated association with membership, committee and office bearers — to expand grant eligibility.
Campaigns & Ongoing Projects
Continued projects including Wear It Purple campaigns, Trans Day of Visibility resources, IDAHOBIT school advocacy, and ongoing grant applications.
How We Accelerate Inclusion
We build the capacity of parents, caregivers and teachers to advocate for LGBTQI inclusion in their school communities — through campaigns, resources and collective action.
Wear It Purple Day
We support schools to celebrate Wear It Purple Day (last Friday of August) — writing open letters to principals, distributing posters and wristbands, and providing classroom content and advocacy templates for parents and teachers.
Trans & Gender Diverse Students
Resources and advocacy guidance for supporting trans, gender diverse and non-binary (TGDNB) students at school — including DET policy requirements, pronouns, transition support and how to advocate for change.
Resources for Parents & Teachers
A curated library of Australian and international resources for talking to children about LGBTQIA+ topics — family diversity, gender identity, sexual diversity, and age-appropriate books, videos and lesson plans.
School Advocacy Support
Practical guidance for parents wanting to advocate to their school’s principal or leadership — including template letters, strategies for difficult conversations, and how to respond to pushback from parents or staff.
Key Dates & Campaigns
We support schools and communities to celebrate IDAHOBIT (May 17), Trans Day of Visibility (March 31), International Family Equality Day (May 5) and Wear It Purple Day — with ready-to-use resources and social media content.
Policy Advocacy
We submit to government reviews — including the Religious Freedom Review — and collaborate with MPs, councils and community organisations to strengthen protections for LGBTQI students and families in school settings.
Curated Tools for Schools
We maintain an extensive library of resources for parents, teachers and school communities — covering family diversity, gender identity, sexual diversity and school-based advocacy.
Resources for primary schools typically focus on three main themes: preventing bias-based bullying, embracing family diversity, and understanding gender stereotypes and diversity. We curate the best Australian and international materials and make them easy to find and use.
Following the Safe Schools controversy, many Australian resources were removed from the web. Rainbows in Schools continues to identify and share what is still available — including from GLSEN, Welcoming Schools, Minus18 and Victorian Department of Education guidance.
Be Part of the
Movement.
Rainbows in Schools welcomes anyone from all over Australia who identifies as LGBTQIA+, and those who identify as allies. There is currently no joining fee. Your details are kept private and will never be shared with any third party.
Whether you are a parent wanting to advocate for your child’s school, a teacher looking for classroom resources, or simply someone who cares about safer schools — there is a place for you in Rainbows in Schools.
Parents & Caregivers
Access advocacy tools, template letters and community support to help make your child’s school more inclusive — at whatever pace feels right.
Teachers & Educators
Find classroom resources, lesson plans and guidance for creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all students.
Allies & Community Members
Amplify our campaigns, share resources and help spread awareness in your school community — your voice matters.
Organisations & Partners
Collaborate with us on campaigns, provide in-kind support or help us apply for grants to deliver further community projects.
Help Us Build
Safer Schools.
Join Rainbows in Schools, share our resources or support our campaigns. Every parent, teacher and ally who acts makes Australian schools safer and more inclusive for LGBTQI students.