Scotland first country to roll out LGBT inclusive education in schools

Scotland has become the first country in the world to nationally embed LGBT inclusive education across the school curriculum.

Subjects across age groups will now include LGBT identities, issues and history. The government said the policy aims to promote equality, reduce bullying and improve the educational experiences of LGBT children and young people

According to LGBTQ group Stonewall, almost half of lesbian, gay, bi and trans pupils – including 64 per cent of trans pupils – are bullied in Britain’s schools.

To support schools in the rollout of LGBT inclusion, a website has been set up where school staff, parents, carers, children and young people can access information to support LGBT children and young people.

A basic awareness e-learning course for education staff on LGBT inclusive education will also be provided, as will a toolkit of LGBT inclusive education teaching resources.

Parents, teachers, young people and LGBT organisations have helped to develop these resources.

“I am proud to say that Scotland is leading the way as the first country in the world to embed LGBT inclusive education right across the curriculum. By doing so, we can help young people to reach their full potential and flourish in a diverse and inclusive society,” commented Children’s Minister, Clare Haughey.

“The launch of this ground-breaking suite of resources for schools takes us another step forward in ensuring that our curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools,” said Haughey.

An LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group was established in 2017 to improve LGBT young people’s learning experience and to address bullying and discrimination. The group made 33 recommendations, which the Scottish government accepted in full.

Jordan Daly, the co-founder of the organisation Time for Inclusive Education, welcomed the developments.

“I experienced bullying and prejudice at school for being gay, and it had a detrimental impact on my confidence and wellbeing for some time,” he said.

Daly added that LGBT inclusive education will “empower young people and provide them with an opportunity I didn’t have at school – to feel valued, confident, and proud of who they are.”