Fighting for LGBTQIA+ inclusive education across the curriculum
It’s not a topic, it’s people’s lives.
We often get requests from schools to deliver a stand-alone assembly on ‘LGBT issues’ (especially during Pride month). This language of ‘LGBT issues’ is present within the government guidance. Quite frankly, it’s not good enough.
We believe:
The acronym should be expanded to LGBTQIA+ to reflect the diversity of the community (more on a full list of terms here)
It should be described as ‘experiences’ instead of ‘issues’ (yes, we need to talk about discrimination that the LGBTQIA+ community faces, but we also need to actively uplift and celebrate queer lives and identities)
LGBTQIA+ experiences should never be delivered as a stand-alone session, but instead embedded across the school curriculum
Throughout RSE, we need to be sharing that there is no singular way to have a relationship, share intimacy or have sex. It’s not about promoting one lifestyle, or way of existing, but that there are multiple choices. Young people should be provided with the skills and agency to make their own decisions, whilst respecting others who might make different decisions to them.
When we centre multiplicity and acknowledge different experiences we are able to create inclusive and affirming education.
When creating your own resources make sure you’re acknowledging everyone’s different experiences and making them relevant to all - not just who (you think) is in the room. Ignoring different experiences and identities perpetuates the idea that difference is something to be ashamed of and further promotes stigma.
We believe in cross curricular RSE
In History classes… Consider historical perspectives to see how beliefs and values have changed over time on any given subject. For example, we think learning about how Section 28 still affects modern RSE is so important.
In Science classes… Challenging assumptions within science. For example, showing how the classification of sex through genitalia and hormones has changed throughout history.
In Geography classes… Explore how RSE topics play out within different societies and cultures across the globe. For example, cultures with non-binary understandings of gender.
Ongoing learning
LGBTQIA+ inclusive action shouldn't end when Pride month is over.
Commit to long-term change and affirming education all year long.
Check out our curriculum and join an upcoming training day to learn more about delivering inclusive and engaging RSE.
