LGBTQ+ Inclusion Toolkit
LGBTQ+ Inclusion Toolkit
What Is LGBTQ+ Inclusion?
- Lesbian
- Gay
- Bisexual
- Transgender
- Queer/Questioning
- The plus encompasses the vast spectrum of sexuality and gender identity including Intersex, Asexual, Non-binary and Pansexual.
Since the 1990’s there has been significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights within the UK; from same sex marriage being made legal, to introducing the world’s first transgender action plan in 2011, to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ relationships in compulsory Relationship and Sex Education, however there is still much work to do. A recent government survey found that two thirds of LGBTQ+ couples avoid holding hands in public. This should be one of the simplest expressions of affection not something that is feared. It is important that we are creating an inclusive educational environment where students feel safe and represented as this can only have a positive impact on all students and staff.
- Nearly half of LGBT pupils (45 per cent) – including 64 per cent of trans pupils – are bullied for being LGBT in Britain’s schools. This is down from 55 per cent of lesbian, gay and bi pupils who experienced bullying because of their sexual orientation in 2012 and 65 per cent in 2007
- Half of LGBT pupils hear homophobic slurs ‘frequently’ or ‘often’ at school, down from seven in 10 in 2012
- Seven in 10 LGBT pupils report that their school says that homophobic and biphobic bullying is wrong, up from half in 2012 and a quarter in 2007. However, just two in five LGBT pupils report that their schools say that transphobic bullying is wrong
- Just one in five LGBT pupils have been taught about safe sex in relation to same-sex relationships
- More than four in five trans young people have self-harmed, as have three in five lesbian, gay and bi young people who aren’t trans
- More than two in five trans young people have attempted to take their own life, and one in five lesbian, gay and bi students who aren’t trans have done the same
It has been proven that providing an LGBTQ+ inclusive education reduces incidents of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying as well as improving the mental wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youths. Ensuring that education is LGBTQ+ inclusive is imperative as attitudes learnt at school go with that young person into the world, the workplace and the wider community. Everyone (LGBTQ+ or not) benefits from a more inclusive education.
The Diverse Educators’ LGBTQ+ Inclusion Toolkit
We are collating a growing bank of resources to support you to be able to stand up, speak up and celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ community in your school.
- How can we avoid LGBTQ+ discrimination in our schools?
- How can I encourage all school staff to understand the benefits of LGBTQ+ inclusion?
- How do I challenge LGBTQ+ discrimination-based language and incidents?
- How can we create an LGBTQ+ inclusive culture and ethos in our schools?
What Does Good LGBTQ+ Inclusion Look Like?
- Bullying and use of derogatory language is consistently challenged
- Gender neutral language is used across the school and in policies
- Stereotypes are challenged – in the curriculum, in policies and in conversations
- An inclusive curriculum – not just PSHE days
- Diverse LGBTQ+ role models are visible
- Staff need to have the training and the confidence to know how to support LGBTQ+ young people
- Also, don’t underestimate visibility of LGBTQ+ members of staff and the impact of seeing them treated well. If students can see their teachers thriving then they are more likely to see how they can thrive too.
If, as educators, we can do this, then we are not only setting up young people for success, but society too.
Articles
The Scotsman
Scotland has become the first country in the world to embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusive education across the school (2021)