Homophobic Bullying: Education and Schools
The education system is just one of the areas in which homophobia is prevalent. Homophobic bullying in schools needs to be tackled, whether it is the teachers or the students that are suffering. Until September 2003, Section 28 of the Local Government Act in England and Wales prevented teachers from educating pupils about homosexuality. It also labelled gay relationships as "pretend".
School is one of the major influences on people's early lives, when your individual perceptions and opinions are developing. If young people are taught to accept homosexuality as "normal", and challenge stereotypes, homophobic behaviour is less likely to exist—and ignorance and prejudice can be dissolved.
The following organisations provide resources and information about tackling homophobia in education. If you know of any other organisations which you feel would be of use to people, please email your suggestions to . Please note that we are unable to endorse or guarantee the accuracy of content on other organisations' websites, or the quality of their services.
An entirely voluntary organisation that works for equality in education of all LGBT people in all our diversity. We aim to stimulate debate, research, and curriculum development in education to enable an inclusivity and knowledge about LGBT people, and challenge homophobia, thereby enriching everyone's educational experience.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7635 0476
To understand our present and imagine our future, we must gain insight into our past. This is true of individuals and societies. LGBT History Month, every February, is a time when we can explore and share hidden aspects of our country's past. This hidden history belongs to all of us; it is our inheritance.
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7635 0476
The Safer School Partnerships website contains up-to-date information regarding best and current practice used by all personnel and agencies concerned with schools and young people across the UK. It provides information on tackling homo/transphobic bullying and addressing homo/transphobia issues in schools and how to address it, with links to resources.
EACH provides the freephone helpline for young people affected by homophobia. EACH's freephone number also provides a third-party homophobic incident reporting line for the West of England and the London borough of Lewisham. It gives callers the opportunity to be heard and offered help and support.
Freephone Helpline: +44 (0)808 1000 143
DfES provides information on homophobia and sexual orientation in schools concerning anti-discrimination legislation, homophobic bullying and homophobia and the curriculum.
Connexions is the government's support service for all young people aged 13 to 19 in England. The service aims to provide integrated advice, guidance and access to personal development opportunities for this group and to help them make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life. They provide information and guidance on with engaging young Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people regarding many of the issues they are faced with.
Education for All is a joint campaign developed by Stonewall, FFLAG and LGBT Youth Scotland. The aim of Education for All is to ensure that all young lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people can fulfil their potential, and that the UK's schools and education systems can deal appropriately with homophobia and homophobic bullying. They provide useful information resources on homophobic bullying and how to address it, as well as a range of other related issues, for both young people and education professionals.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7881 9440