High school students have spoken out at numerous rallies across the country in defense of the program at their schools.
The campaign gained a boost early this week with news that the ACT governments and Victorian governments were continuing the program in its full form.
Sydney
In Sydney 400 people came out. The Liberal Baird government is supporting the gutting and defunding of the program.
Great Trans, high-school and young queers dominated the speaking platform and support from the Teachers Federation was read out to cheers.
The police refused the organisers the right to march but rainbow chalking and a footpath walk to NSW parliament added energy to a vibrant rally. People pledged to return until the program was restored and funded.
Perth
In Perth the rally was an impassioned show of community support for LGBTIQ youth. A wide range of organisations attended, including PFlag, Transmen of WA, and several trade unions.
The crowd heard from Mt Lawley high school student Oscar Kaspi-Crutchett, who spoke about the recent harassment of students at his school by the Christian Right over the safe schools program. Melissa Scarr, the mother of 11 year old trans boy Jacob Scarr, spoke about how the Safe Schools a Program has made a huge difference for her son.
After the official speakers, a long queue lined up to speak on the open mike. The crowd heard one harrowing story after another of school bullying and prejudice, highlighting the desperate need for the safe schools program.
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Melbourne
a vibrant 3000 person protest in Melbourne's CBD on the back of a 200 strong rally in Belgrave (suburb of Melbourne).
Adelaide
Around 200 people came out. Community speakers, including two very eloquent high school students, two mums of trans kids and an 8 year old trans boy. Unions including the AEU and ASU and politicians from the Greens and Labor also spoke at the rally.