Is this above statement true?

Yes, gender equality is about every gender having the same rights and privileges. In the same circumstances, the expectations should also be the same.

What are some benefits for men?

They don't have expectations to live up to, such as showing no emotion, being really strong and muscular, better at sport than women. They can do what they want.

What are some benefits for women?

Being able to work wherever they want, go wherever they want, do whatever they want, not having to fear what others will think or do to them. 

What are some benefits for people who are transgender or gender diverse?

Members of the LGBTQI+ community are able to do what they want, not worry about others' judgments and know that whatever their dream is, it is achievable.

Describe 5 actions/strategies that young people can take to closing the “Gender Gap” and work towards gender equality

1. Having the same expectations for each other no matter the gender

2. Never assume gender stereotypes e.g don’t assume that because they are a boy they don’t want to become a teacher

3. Don’t box each other into gender stereotypes

4. Allow everyone to be emotional, not just the girls

5. Don’t follow the gender stereotypes, do what you want to do

How do the dynamics of power play out in this scenario? Who has power and why?

Both Nick and Bianca have negative power over Mel because Bianca is pushing her to show more skin, be more likeable and pretty much hook up with Nick. Whereas Nick is trying to impress Mel, trying to get some alone time with just her. 

Bianca has negative power over Rheece because Rheece is doing anything to impress Bianca and Bianca knows that.

How is power being abused in this scenario?

Nick and Bianca’s power made Mel feel uncomfortable. Her facial expressions completely show it. She is being pushed to be someone she isn’t. But neither Nick and Bianca are helping her or doing something to stop it.

How could power be used/was power used in a positive way so that these scenarios have a positive outcome?

Cody has positive power over Nick at the start, because Cody makes sure Nick doesn’t hook up with Bianca. However, Cody later loses the power and can't stop Nick from getting with Mel.

What does power look like in a healthy relationship?

When both sides are happy and comfortable, not being pushed to be someone they aren’t, being able to do what they want, not having to conform to another person's ideas and rules, being loved for who they are.

What do you think the expression ‘trust your gut instinct’ means, and are there any indications of the characters having a gut instinct they didn’t act on? Why might people not act on gut instinct?

Trusting your gut instinct is when you feel like something is wrong, stopping it and saying that it’s not right. Mel doesn’t trust her gut instinct when Bianca takes Mel’s top off, this leads to Nick thinking she's really cute and into his kind of behaviour. Mel doesn’t trust her gut instinct to tell Nick she is uncomfortable and not that type of person.

In Australia, up to 80% of adults have HSV 1 and approximately 1 in 8 sexually active people have HSV 2.

Is it safe to engage in sexual activity if someone has herpes or other STIs?

Herpes is transferred through kissing or any type of sex. Use condoms can decrease the chance of herpes being passed on, but you cannot cure herpes, so unless you want to take the risk its best not to.

Can herpes be treated? Can it be cured?

You cannot cure herpes, when you get an outbreak, antiviral medication is available through prescriptions from a doctor. Local treatments can also help, they can include

• Salt baths

• Aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol

• Zovirax and other Acyclovir creams

• Lignocaine gel and other topical anaesthetics

• Passing urine in a warm bath if urinating is painful

• Putting ice on the affected area

As well as this

• Wear loose fitting clothes and cotton underwear

• Drinking at least 1.5 litres of water a day

• Resting 

It will come back, but they are usually less severe and frequency will decrease. In some cases they will stop altogether.

What is the only way someone can confirm if they have an STI?

The only way to confirm you have herpes is if the blisters/sores are tested by a doctor or a nurse.

Why is it important to get tested for STIs? 

Because other people don’t want to get STIs, if you get tested, you can tell them almost for sure that you don’t have any STIs. If you do, then you can decide together whether it is safe to engage in sexual activity depending on what STI it is.

If a friend was thinking about having sexual activity for the first time and knows nothing about STIs, what would be the key information that they need? 

That they are generally passed on through sexual activity, they all have different effects, something like herpes won’t go away, whereas some others can decrease fertility rate or stop it altogether. You can get tested and make sure you always check if your partner has any STI’s