A world first as Scotland leads the way in LGBTI inclusive education

Scotland says it will become the first country in the world to bring LGBTI inclusive education into all its state schools.

“Scotland is already considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTI equality,” said Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney in a statement.

“I am delighted to announce we will be the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded within the curriculum. Our education system must support everyone to reach their full potential. That is why it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools,” Swinney said.

Swinney revealed that 33 recommendations by an LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group, created to improve the learning experience for LGBTI young people, have been accepted in full by the Scottish Government.

“The recommendations I have accepted will not only improve the learning experience of our LGBTI young people, they will also support all learners to celebrate their differences, promote understanding and encourage inclusion,” he said.

Work to implement the recommendations will start immediately. All state schools will be supported to teach LGBTI equality and inclusion across different age groups and subjects, grouped under various themes.

The themes will include LGBTI terminology and identities; tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia; prejudice in relation to the LGBTI community; and promoting awareness of the history of LGBTI equalities and movements.

The working group recommendations included not only measures to improve LGBTI inclusion in education but to also record incidents of LGBTI bullying in schools.

Jordan Daly, Co-Founder of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign, welcomed the news. “After three years of campaigning, we are delighted that LGBTI inclusive education will now become a reality in all of Scotland’s state schools,” he said.

“This is a monumental victory for our campaign, and a historic moment for our country. The implementation of LGBTI inclusive education across all state schools is a world first, and in a time of global uncertainty, this sends a strong and clear message to LGBTI young people that they are valued here in Scotland,” added Daly.