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
What does good LGBTQ+ inclusion look like?
To summarise
- 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.