Stonewall and Metro Youth Chances research have found that nine in ten secondary
school teachers say students in their schools are bullied, harassed or called names for
being – or perceived to be – lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Three quarters of
trans young people say they have experienced name-calling and 99% of lesbian, gay
or bisexual young people hear the phrases ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school.
One in three lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans young people change their educational
plans because of the bullying and discrimination they experience at school, and 32%
of trans young people say they have missed lessons due to discrimination or fear of
discrimination.
Lots of schools are tackling
homophobia, biphobia and
transphobia and instead celebrating
diversity and creating school
environments that are inclusive of all
young people.
If you’re new to this work, here are 10
top tips to get you started, based on
best practice from Stonewall members.
1) Get your policy right: An up-to-date school
policy (such as an anti-bullying or equality
policy) sends a clear signal that bullying on
the grounds of sexual orientation and gender
identity will not be tolerated and derogatory
language is unacceptable in your school.
Develop a pupil-friendly version so that pupils
understand the different types of bulling that
can occur.
2) Train staff: Whole-school training is the
best way to ensure that all staff feel confident
in challenging these issues in school. Stonewall
runs Train the Trainer courses, which equip
one member of your school staff with the
tools, confidence and knowledge to train their
colleagues. Following the course, your school
automatically becomes a member of the
School Champions programme, a network of
1,400 schools across England dedicated to
celebrating diversity and building inclusive
environments.
3) Challenge language and bullying
consistently: Only 10% of lesbian, gay
and bisexual pupils report that teachers
challenge homophobic language every time
they hear it. Make sure staff are equipped
and confident to do so through training
and check in with anyone who may need
extra support. Developing a script or a set of
template responses will equip staff to respond
confidently and consistently. Use Stonewall’s
eye catching posters to raise awareness among
pupils.
4) Take a whole-school approach and
celebrate diversity: Provide ways through
which everyone in the school community can
get involved and celebrate your pupils, staff
and families, including those who are lesbian,
gay, bisexual or trans, to make it clear your
school accepts everyone without exception. Use
assemblies, workshops, speakers and events to
raise awareness and celebrate diversity.
5) Develop an inclusive curriculum: A
better understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual
and trans people and issues will prevent
homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
from happening in school and help pupils to
understand why it is hurtful.
6) Survey staff and pupils: Send out a survey
to staff and pupils anonymously on their
experiences of the bullying and language. This
will help your school to see the areas which
need improvement.
7) Create an action plan: Using the results
from the survey to identify key priorities, draw
up an action plan to tackle homophobia,
biphobia and transphobia. Be sure to include
actions to challenge gender stereotypes as well
– as this helps prevent bullying.
8) Record and monitor bullying: Record and
monitor incidents of homophobic, biphobic
and transphobic bullying and language so you
can identify any particular problem areas and
measure progress over time.
9) Run a campaign: Use a campaign to raise
awareness of the importance of tackling these
issues and derogatory language in school. Use
Stonewall’s NoBystanders or Rainbow Laces
campaigns for inspiration and provide ways for
different groups to be involved.
10) Link up with others and celebrate
success: Share experiences, tips and ideas
with other schools on tackling these issues and
celebrating diversity. Being a member of the
School Champions programmes allows you to
share best practice through regional seminars
and events. Work with other organisations
in your local community – such as the local
authority, NHS services, sports clubs, local
businesses, youth charities or religious centres –
to promote LGBT equality. Contact Stonewall’s
Information service to find other organisations
in your area.
About Stonewall
Stonewall campaigns for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT)
people to be accepted without exception, by empowering
individuals, transforming institutions, changing hearts and minds
and changing laws.
To book onto a Train the Trainer course (and become a School
Champion), please visit www.stonewall.org.uk/teachertraining
To access free educational resources, visit
www.stonewall.org.uk/educationresources
For general information and guidance,
please contact Stonewall’s Information Service on
08000 50 20 20
or info@stonewall.org.uk
For questions about Stonewall’s work in schools, please contact
education@stonewall.org.uk
For general enquiries
0370 1500 100
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year