Skills for the Job: Promoting sexual identity tolerance
Kate Marston and Jonathan Charlesworth
Monday, May 11, 2015
Children's professionals have a duty to celebrate diversity and educate children and young people to respect same-sex relationships.
Why is it important for young people to understand and respect lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) identities?
Young people learn about sexuality from a range of sources including family, friends, advertising and the media. A dichotomy exists however between the gay or bisexual "celebrities" they enjoy watching on TV and having this reality in their classroom, youth club or living room.
Left unchallenged, misinformation can lead to homophobic name-calling, bullying or harassment. A 2014 survey of LGBT young people found that one in every two had experienced harassment and threats, while a quarter had been physically assaulted (Youth Chances, 2014). The power and influence that homophobia can generate makes it difficult for many LGBT young people to be a part of wider society.
All young people require affirmative and accurate information about the lives of gay and bisexual people not only so they can understand their own sexual orientation, but to appreciate the diverse people who are family members, classmates or colleagues.
Why is it important for professionals to play a role in promoting understanding?
Since 1999, the UK has witnessed legislative changes advancing the rights of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. From the equalisation of the age of consent in 1999, through enhancements to adoption and fostering rights, workplace protections, the introduction of civil partnership in 2005 and same-sex marriage in 2014, landmark legal changes are now waiting for society to catch up with what these "mean".
There is a legal framework for children's professionals to promote understanding of and respect for LGBT people. Under the Equality Act 2010, all children's services must "consider all individuals when carrying out their day-to-day work - in shaping policy, in delivering services and in relation to their own employees". It also requires that public bodies have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations between different people when carrying out their actions.
When should young people be taught about LGBT identities and relationship?
It is never too early to begin talking about celebrating diversity and respecting different families. Settings can communicate strong messages about what is and is not acceptable with regard to gender and sexual orientation from a very early age. We should always be wary not to reinforce ideas about how "typical girls" or "typical boys" behave and ensure prejudice-based language is challenged.
What can they do to help children and young people understand the subject?
Helping young people understand gay and bisexual identities and relationships can be included in your work settings.
It is important that your settings have appropriate policies and procedures in place to celebrate equality and diversity and challenge prejudice-based bullying. Staff should also be trained to ensure they are confident discussing this topic as well as responding to prejudice-based incidents.
A range of opportunities exist to raise awareness of lesbian, gay or bisexual matters in your setting and promote an inclusive ethos: from posters on noticeboards, discussion activities, books, newsletters, blogs and messages on social media. Educational Action Challenging Homophobia's (EACH) Reach Teaching Resource contains activity ideas, films and posters for those working with young people aged 12 to 18.
Is additional support available?
EACH works to affirm the lives of LGBT people and reduce discrimination experienced due to sexual orientation or gender identity. Visit www.each.education or call the action line on 0808 1000 143.
- Kate Marston, projects co-ordinator and Jonathan Charlesworth, executive director, EACH
- That's So Gay! Challenging Homophobic Bullying by Jonathan Charlesworth, a handbook on creating a bully-free culture for schools, teachers and other children's workers, is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing
FIND OUT MORE
- Provide accurate information, and speak confidently and positively
- Ensure staff are appropriately trained to promote an inclusive environment
- Utilise every opportunity to flag what is expected of everyone concerning equalities, respect, anti-discrimination and prejudice-based bullying
- Challenge prejudice-based language or bullying consistently
- Involve children, young people, parents and the wider community when celebrating diversity: promoting a positive environment for everyone