Schools and Education
LGBT Youth Scotland believes that schools have a key role to play in providing a safe and secure environment for every one of their students.
Every school in Scotland will have many LGB or T young people on its registers but they will often be invisible. This fear of “coming out” is a key barrier to LGBT young people making a better start in life and growing up feeling part of their community and peer group.
Our aim is to work with schools, teachers and young people to make sure that every LGBT young person reaches their full potential.
In this section you can find:
- Information about our schools work
- Some useful resources on LGBT young people and education
- Some links which teachers might find useful if talking about LGBT people, their lives, history and experiences
Guide for Teachers on LGBT Issues
LGBT young people often speak negatively about their school experience. This negative experience can have a poor effect on young people's behaviour and achievement at school. Many teachers are very supportive of LGBT young people, but often report a lack of confidence when dealing with LGBT issues in the classroom.
In partnership with Healthy Respect, LGBT Youth Scotland has produced a guide which aims to increase teachers' confidence and competence when addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in schools.
For further support, information and training on these issues, call 0131 622 2266 or email info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
EIS Lesbian and Gay Guidelines
http://www.eis.org.uk/public.asp?id=266&parentid=245&dbase=1
Connexions – LGB Guidance for Professionals
www.connexions.gov.uk/partnerships/publications/connexpubs/index.cfm
LGBT FAQ
How many people are lesbian or gay?
Statistical evidence varies, but most research states that 5-10% of the population is lesbian or gay. This means 250,000-500,000 people in Scotland. There are also many people who engage in homosexual activity but who would not describe themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
What does LGBT mean?
The term "LGBT" is just shorthand for "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender". Although some people use the words "gay" or "lesbian" as some kind of insult, many people are happy to use these terms to define their sexuality.
I'm not sure what the term "coming out" means
"Coming out" is the process a gay person goes through when coming to terms with their sexuality. This process has a personal dimension i.e. coming out to yourself, becoming more aware of your sexual orientation; and a social dimension, i.e. coming out to others. Many lesbian, gay and bisexual people would say that coming out is a life-long process, as they will constantly have to challenge the assumption that everyone is heterosexual.
Are people born lesbian or gay?
The simple answer is – we don't know! Some believe that people are born lesbian or gay, others think that our environment and early life experiences influence our sexual orientation, whilst some argue that being gay is a lifestyle choice. You never really hear people ask "Are people born straight?" so maybe it doesn't matter much anyway.
What is homophobia?
Homophobia is often defined as the irrational fear of homosexuals, and is frequently expressed visibly, audibly and sometimes violently. Homophobia is also a term that is used to describe discriminatory practice, and can be found in the policies and practices of many institutions and organisations. Transphobia is sort of the same, but for transgender people not homosexuals. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of homophobia and transphobia around.
What is the age of consent for gay men in Scotland?
The age of consent is 16 – this is the same for homosexual and heterosexual men.
A 15-year-old client/student has told me that he is having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old young man. What should I do?
Firstly, you should ask yourself if this is a child protection issue or not. In answering this question, you should follow the child protection policy and practice in your organisation. If you decide that this is not a child protection issue, then you might want to adopt the same approach as you would if this were a heterosexual couple e.g. offer safer sex advice. Remember, however, that from a legal perspective one of the parties is under the age of consent.
I don't know what "transgender" means
The transgender community is a diverse one. It might be helpful to think initially of the term "transgender" as an umbrella word, which describes different groups of people who are exploring their gender identity in different ways. For example, some people feel very uncomfortable with the gender given to them at birth and may seek surgery to remedy this, others may not identify as either male or female.
Is homosexuality an illness?
Homosexuality was once considered an illness by some sections of the medical profession, but this is no longer the case. Most health professionals no longer think in these terms.
I'm not sure if the law allows us to discuss homosexuality with young people today
The repeal of Clause 2a (or Section 28 as it is sometimes known) by the Scottish Parliament now means that professionals should feel more confident in discussing homosexuality with young people. It is not illegal to discuss homosexuality with young people today, and much work of this kind is now being undertaken in a professional and supportive manner.
How can I support a young person who tells me they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender?
This will partly depend on the person involved and what they need from you. Being accepting and respectful is essential, as many young people often fear rejection when coming out. And don't make any assumptions about the young person's needs. Remember another thing – the young person hasn't changed ... it's only your knowledge of them which has!! Seek advice and support for yourself if necessary from organisations like LGBT Youth Scotland.
What does Christianity say about homosexuality?
Christians are divided on the issue of homosexuality. Many take a traditional approach and condemn homosexuality as sinful. Other Christians take a more positive and affirming approach to being LGBT, so it would be wrong to think that all religious people are hostile. In fact, there are many LGBT people who are religious.
Where can I get more information to support young people?
You have already started this by looking through this website! Check out the other pages or call us on the Youthline number (0845 113 0005) or our office number (0131 622 2266).
How should I respond to an angry parent/carer who doesn't want me to address LGBT issues with young people?
It is important to respect the rights of parents and carers, which includes listening to their concerns and consulting them on any sensitive proposals that might affect their children. However, it is also important to respect the rights of children and young people! It is important to remember that young people have a right to accurate information about sexuality and sexual health issues. Most parents will be open to an objective, supportive and professional approach to LGBT issues if they feel that their rights and wishes have been acknowledged and respected.
I've heard that HIV/AIDS mostly affects gay men. Is this true?
HIV/AIDS is undoubtedly a serious issue for gay and bisexual men; however, it would be dangerous and inaccurate to see HIV/AIDS as a "gay disease". The virus can be spread in a number of ways including through unsafe sexual practices. HIV/AIDS is an issue that affects everyone – it is about sexual behaviour and not about sexual identity.
Isn't being gay just a phase some young people go through?
For some young people the answer is "yes" and for others it is clearly "no". Many lesbians and gay men also go through a "heterosexual" phase when they are seeking answers to questions about their sexuality, and similarly, many heterosexual people will go through a "gay" phase. It is quite common for many people to have a clear sense of their sexual identity at a young age, whilst others will have questions about their sexual orientation through adulthood.
Do I tell my doctor?
This will depend on the individual. Most people don't feel it necessary to discuss their sexual identity with their doctor, unless it has some direct bearing on their medical situation. It might be a good idea to ask the surgery what their policy is on supporting LGBT people before joining a practice.
Aren't all gay men camp and effeminate, and all lesbians butch and masculine?
The simple answer is "No!". Gay men and lesbians have frequently been stereotyped in this way, but the fact is that LGBT people, like heterosexual people, do not fit into any one category. What we think and feel about the way people look and behave often changes from time to time and from culture to culture. For example, during part of the twentieth century it was considered effeminate for men in the UK to wear make-up!
Who are some famous LGBT people?
There are too many famous LGBT people to mention, although it is still difficult for some people in public life to come out. Some famous LGBT people include singers: Elton John, Will Young, George Michael, Melissa Etheridge, KD Lang, actors: Sir Ian McKellen, Rupert Everett, Ellen DeGeneres, Pam St Clement, artists/authors: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Oscar Wilde, military leaders: Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc, Lawrence of Arabia, religious leaders: Rev.Troy Perry and Rabbi Lionel Blue.
When should I come out to my parents?
There is no simple answer to this question – it all depends on your personal situation. Some LGBT young people tell their parents once they are clear about their sexual orientation, others never tell their families. It might be a good idea to talk to someone you trust for some advice before you decide whether to come out to your parents.
I get picked on at school but don't know who to tell
Bullying is totally unacceptable, and all schools are required to respond to young people's concerns about bullying. Seek out a teacher you trust and speak to him/her about what's happening to you, or call an agency that helps young people e.g. ChildLine or LGBT Youth's Youthline.
What is heterosexism?
Heterosexism is the belief that being heterosexual is somehow better or superior to being homosexual. It is an attitude which is deeply rooted in most societies, and which is acted out in countless ways. For example, many people who are heterosexist will see homosexuality as "wrong", "sinful" or somehow "dangerous" for society, and will argue that the only "right" or "healthy" way to live is as a heterosexual. Some heterosexual people who are more liberal in their attitudes towards homosexuality can still be heterosexist at times, especially if they talk about being "sympathetic" towards or "tolerant" of LGBT people.
What do I need to know about lesbian and gay sex?
Sex can be great fun and can play a significant part in many different kinds of relationships. However, there are two important points to remember. Firstly, sex should be consensual – in other words, no one should be forced into having any type of sex if they don't want to. Secondly, we all need to be aware of the need for safer sex, no matter what our sexual orientation. There are many myths around LGBT sex, but there are also plenty of places where you can get more advice and support on these issues including information about safer sex. For example, check out this website and go to other websites dealing with sexual health e.g. www.healthy-respect.com.
Anti-Homophobic Bullying Guidance
Lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) young people often face discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Homophobic bullying within school can have a serious impact upon the self esteem and confidence of LGBT young people, and can make it harder for those wishing to come out to do so.
Yet, homophobic bullying can be directed at any pupil or teacher within a school. Some young people may have parents or family members who are LGB or T.
Homophobic insults are common place in the school environment, where increasingly, the term “gay” is used to describe something unsatisfactory, or to denote someone who is seen as inadequate.
For more information:
Educational Action Challenging Homophobia www.eachaction.org.uk
Anti Bullying Network www.antibullying.net
Also see our Information Centre.
Gay-Straight Alliance
What is a Gay-Straight Alliance?
A Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is a student-initiated and student-run club in a public or private school. The goal of a GSA is to provide a safe, supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) and straight ally youth to meet and discuss sexual orientation and gender identity issues, and to work to create a school environment free of discrimination, harassment, and intolerance.
www.gsanetwork.org
Further Resources and Information
Our Story www.ourstoryscotland.org.uk
LGBT History on the Internet http://home.earthlink.net/~ruthpett/lgbthistorynw/links.htm
Famous LGBT People in History www.lambda.org/famous.htm
LGBT Rights Around the Globe www.actwin.com/eatonohio/gay/world.htm
Harvey Milk LGBT School www.hmi.org
Diversity Guide for Teachers (USA) www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~lgbtsu/Handbook/handbook.htm
Schools Out – LGBT Education Site www.schools-out.org.uk
Education for All Campaign www.stonewall.org.uk/education_for_all/?CFID=1183653&CFTOKEN=37448486