That is the thought driving Otago Boys’ High School pupil Max Cunninghame to establish a queer-straight alliance at the school.
The 17-year-old said they decided to step up and find a way to make a change.
They were willing to "potentially cop some flak" because being an all-boys school it could sometimes feel quite rigid and traditional.
During a school assembly Max shared their experiences of being queer in a traditional same-sex environment like Otago Boys’ High School.
"It can be sometimes quite difficult for a queer person to be in that environment and feel comfortable.
"It is just about that simple attitude change and just the simple, kind of , three seconds to think ‘will this hurt anyone? Is it offensive?"’
Thinking of basic decency helped make schools a safer space for people, they said.
"It is important that you are comfortable where you are."
The queer-straight alliance would meet on a regular basis and provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ pupils and allies to come and meet similar people, they said.
"Obviously, it is quite important to have a space like that, so in an environment where maybe you might not feel comfortable or safe all the time, you do have somewhere to go where you know everyone is going to welcome you in."
The idea emerged earlier in the year when Max talked to Otago Boys’ High School acting rector Andrew King about doing something for Pride Month, which is June.
Working with the help of InsideOUT Koaro Otago schools co-ordinator Izzy Costigan, Max put together a month of activities including lunchtime games and quizzes in the library.
Information videos were shown in classrooms, including RainbowYOUTH’s "If It’s Not Gay, It’s Not Gay" campaign.
It was a challenge to stand up and express what they felt, Max said.
"It always feels like a difficult thing to do when you see an environment that might not be right. But the reaction has been quite positive."
He also wanted to acknowledge the work of other people.
"I’ve done something to my immediate community.
"But [the] impact of so many other queer people in and around Dunedin has really made it a much safer space to be."
