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EmailAll LGBTQ+ children and young people deserve an education that reflects who they are. Join us in building a world where LGBTQ+ youth are safe, seen and heard. Stop the threats to LGTBQ+ inclusive education and donate today.
Here in the UK, people of a certain age don’t have to imagine what a world without inclusive education looks like – in fact, many of us lived through an era of actively exclusive education.
Section 28, a damaging piece of legislation that prohibited the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues and identities in schools and colleges, was in effect from 1988 until as recently as 2003 in England and Wales, and 2000 in Scotland. That is to say, every LGBTQ+ millennial in Britain – and even those at the upper limit of Gen Z – had a childhood scarred by this law.
The ripple effects of Section 28 extended far beyond sex education class. It created an environment where LGBTQ+ identities were ‘othered’ and seen as something to be ashamed of. The lack of LGBTQ+ visibility made school playgrounds a breeding ground for ignorance, misinformation and bullying. Children discovering their sexual orientation or gender identity for the first time were denied crucial opportunities for support or learning. Those working in schools didn’t just feel they couldn’t discuss same-sex relationships – they also felt they couldn’t adequately address the abuse aimed at students who were (or were suspected of being) LGBTQ+.
Section 28 damaged a generation of young people, whose school years were characterised by confusion and anxiety.
Let’s be clear: Section 28 damaged a generation of young people, whose school years were characterised by confusion and anxiety. Few of us had trusted adults we could speak to, and we were made to feel like outsiders in places where we should have been safe.
Stonewall was formed in response to Section 28 – and it's as important to us today as it was in 1989. We’ve spent the last 30 years working with schools and teachers to tackle bullying and help create learning environments where all children and young people can thrive. Since then, there’s been a huge amount of progress – both in terms of policy, and societal attitudes. Recent research shows us that most of the British public think it's right for teachers at primary school to talk positively about different families, including LGBTQ+ families, and that the Government should support schools to implement LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Yet LGBTQ+ children and young people still face the kinds of problems that could be prevented by a truly inclusive education. Our 2017 School report showed that anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and language remain commonplace in Britain's schools, and our 2020 Shut Out report showed how a combination of bullying at school, discrimination in the workplace, and lack of home support can have devastating impact on young LGBTQ+ people’s mental health and future prospects.
Inclusive education can’t wait.
In recent years, we’ve also seen rising numbers of protests outside schools by those who feel LGBTQ-inclusive teaching goes against parents’ rights to decide what their children learn. And across Europe, we are seeing what happens if these sentiments go unchallenged. In Hungary, a law has been passed banning the teaching of LGBTQ+ content in schools – echoing Section 28. And while we hear concerns about whether inclusive education is ‘age-appropriate’, we know from our research that inclusive education can’t wait. Anti-LGBTQ+ bullying is common even in primary schools, which might be avoided if children were supported to develop inclusive attitudes from a young age.
That’s why it’s so important to understand what LGBTQ-inclusive education really looks like, and the benefits it holds for everyone. A huge part of inclusive education is teaching about respect and acceptance for people from every background – whether that’s race, gender, sexual orientation, faith, class, or disability. At its heart, inclusive teaching is an affirmation that you exist, and your identity is valid. It’s about ensuring that all children enjoy a school environment where they feel safe and happy.
Imagine being 14 years old, from a family that has never spoken positively about LGBTQ+ people, and suspecting that you might be gay. Then you have an RSHE lesson about what healthy relationships look like, or an English lesson on Shakespeare’s sonnets, and your teachers openly and calmly discuss same-sex couples and bi identities as part of their class. Or imagine starting primary school as a child with lesbian parents, and your teacher reading a book to the whole class about a little girl with two loving mums. It shows a strong signal that you are safe and seen – and to every class member that they should value and respect all those around them.
And for every young person to be prepared for life in modern society and varied communities, it's vital that their curriculum reflects the full diversity of the world they live in. This includes teaching about LGBTQ+ people and themes, and providing high-quality information about what their lives might involve. Many young people are aware of their identities from an early age, and will want to learn about what being LGBTQ+ might mean for them. If trusted adults at school can’t provide the information they need, children and young people will turn to the internet or their friends for answers. At best, this puts them at risk of misinformation. At worst, it risks LGBTQ+ young people encountering harm.
Join us in creating a world where all children and young people grow up knowing that they can be themselves.
So we ask you to join us in creating a world where all children and young people grow up knowing that they can be themselves, and that they will be loved for who they are. A world where all people are encouraged to grow up with inclusive and accepting attitudes. Because every child deserves an education the celebrates the wonderful diversity that exists in our world.
All LGBTQ+ children and young people deserve an education that reflects who they are. Join us in building a world where LGBTQ+ youth are safe, seen and heard. Stop the threats to LGTBQ+ inclusive education and donate today.
