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Promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual inclusion. Combatting homophobic and biphobic bullying

Promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual inclusion. Combatting homophobic and biphobic bullying

The proportion of the UK population aged 16 years and over identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) was estimated to be 2.2% in 2018 with 4.4% of younger people (aged 16 to 24 years) most likely to identify as LGB – Office for National Statistics 2018.

Homophobic, biphobic bullying is widespread in Britain’s primary and secondary schools, affecting many children and young people each year. Research highlights the detrimental impact this has on attendance, attainment and mental health and wellbeing.

The Stonewall School Report 2017 indicates that:

  • 45% of LGBT pupils have been bullied at school, of these
  • 40% have skipped school because of this bullying
  • 40% per cent have never been told about LGBT issues at school
  • 68% report that teachers or school staff only ‘sometimes’ or ‘never’ challenge homophobic, biphobic and transphobic language when they hear it
  • 53% say that there are no adults in school they can talk to about being LGBT.

How can the Equality Diversity Inclusion Team help?

The Equality Diversity Inclusion Team (EDIT) provide training, advice, support and guidance to help schools to overcome and eliminate homophobic and biphobic bullying and promote the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning pupils, staff and family members.

For more details and information on how EDIT can help, please click one of the boxes below.

Useful resources

Local support agencies

Medway Gender Sexual Diversity Centre: promoting and improving the health and wellbeing of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Asexual, Transgender, Non-binary Gender, Gender Non-conforming people and those Questioning their Gender Identity or Sexuality.

The BeYou Project: connects young people in Kent who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary or are questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, offering a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space where young LGBT+ people can meet to socialise, have fun and help each other.

National support agencies

Barnardos: through its LGBTQ Hub, offers guidance to young people, parents and teachers on how to support LGBT students and tackle LGBT prejudice-based bullying.

EACH: (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia): provides a national freephone Action line for targets of homophobic or transphobic bullying and training to schools on sexual orientation, gender identity matters and cyber homophobia.

Metro Charity: an equality and diversity charity, providing health, community and youth services across London, the South East, national and international projects. Metro works with anyone experiencing issues related to gender, sexuality, diversity or identity.

Proud Trust: helps young people empower themselves to make a positive change for themselves and their communities through youth groups, peer support, delivering of training and events, campaigns, undertaking research and creating resources.

Schools Out: Offers practical advice, resources (including lesson plans) and training to schools on LGBT equality in education.

Stonewall: An LGB equality organisation with considerable expertise in LGB bullying in schools, a dedicated youth site, resources.

Contact us

You can get in touch with us using our designated contact page - contact EDIT here!