Non-Normative Gender and Sexual Identities in Schools: - Schools Out

and moreover we need to support policy with moves to change
negative attitudes regarding the issues – prevention, not cure.
3. Same sex relationships are routinely talked about at primary level in
other European countries. Do you think the same policies should be
adopted here?
Prompts: Do you think these problems exist at this level? What do
you think is the best way to challenge these problems at this level?
My view: I think that it is vital to normalise all varieties of
sexualities and genders at an early age BEFORE ill-conceived,
incorrect, misconceptions are developed. During my research I have
heard excuses such as 5 year olds being too young too understand
sexualities, but not too young to understand differences of race and
ethnicity. Again, I think it should be about normalisation and
acceptability of all families and relationships, so that children
learn early that difference, any difference is normal and bullying
on these grounds is unacceptable. There is no need or reason for
same-sex sex to be discussed at this level (another excuse I have heard
for not addressing homophobia at this level) just as there is no reason
for opposite-sex sex to be discussed and this links to the point of
getting people to understand that homo/bisexuality is not solely about
sex, another common misconception I have come across – it is about
all the same things that heterosexual relationships are about and as
such should be discussed on the same footing.
4. Within schools, how important do you feel it is for combating
problems of homo/bi/transphobia and heteronormativity/heterosexism
for staff to recognise:
a. That such bullying is occurring in their schools?
b. That male/female binaries and heterosexuality should not be
assumed?
Prompts: Do you think that ignorance is fuelling problems?