Homophobia deters LGB people from working with children

13 October 2009 1 min read Shafik Meghji Early Years Education

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people and staff still face high levels of homophobic bullying both inside and outside of school, a report by the government's equality watchdog has warned.

Many LGB people say they would avoid teaching or other jobs that involve working with children because of negative perceptions relating to their sexual orientation, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) study said.

Only 51 per cent of lesbians, 52 per cent of gay men, 44 per cent of bisexual women and 10 per cent of bisexual men felt they could be open about their sexual orientation in schools, colleges and universities.

In a speech to launch the report, Beyond Tolerance: Making Sexual Orientation a Public Matter, EHRC chair Trevor Phillips warned that "gay" remained "the number one playground insult".

The report calls for LGB issues to be included in the curriculum, "zero tolerance" for homophobic bullying and greater support for LGB staff and students. The EHRC said it is working on guidance for education providers to help them improve education outcomes for LGB pupils.

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