‘BEING LGBT IN SCHOOL’

4. SPECIFIC GUIDANCE
IN RELATION TO
TRANSGENDER STUDENTS
4.1 THE SPECIFIC
NEEDS OF
TRANSGENDER
STUDENTS
Over the last two decades, Ireland
has witnessed significant social
change and increasing levels of
awareness and acceptance of
diversity. However, transgender
people remain among the most
vulnerable members of Irish society
and experience high levels of
stigmatisation and marginalisation
(TENI, 2014; Mayock et al, 2009).
There has been an increase in awareness
of gender identity issues and a growing
capacity to understand the issues
experienced by transgender people;
and in 2015 the Oireachtas passed the
Gender Recognition Act (2015). A positive
consequence of this increased awareness is
that more young people are coming out as
transgender and seeking the support they
need. In the school context this growing
awareness needs to be matched with accurate
information and responses that are based
on good practice in addressing the needs of
transgender young people.
A school’s response should be holistic and
integrated, where the support of the student
is the key consideration in every response.
A key strategy in supporting students and
preventing transphobic bullying in school
is to promote a climate of acceptance and
respect for all. School principals may feel
that they should respond immediately with
practical supports. However, it is good
practice to take time with the student, and
his or her parents/guardians, to find the right
solutions for their particular context rather
than rushing into a standard response.
This section addresses questions and issues
that may arise when students who are
transgender come out while at school. The
following information is offered as a way
of ensuring that a pupil who comes out is
supported and that it is clear to the entire
school community that a climate of respect
and an anti-bullying culture mean that all
students should be supported. Given the
higher risk of transgender young people
experiencing transphobic bullying the
guidance is provided to support a positive
school climate and culture that is supportive
of difference and diversity and that prevents
transphobic bullying.
Suggestions are based on good practice and
offer some guidance in this area. It is noted
however that the Joint Oireachtas Committee
on Education and Social Protection
(Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee
on Education and Social Protection,
2013) recommended that comprehensive
guidelines be developed in this regard.
It is crucially important to the
well-being of a young person that
his or her gender identity is treated
with dignity, respect and fairness.
A Resource for Post-Primary Schools to Prevent Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying and Support LGBT Students
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