‘BEING LGBT IN SCHOOL’

4.4.3 Single-gender activities
To the extent possible, best practice
suggests schools should reduce or eliminate
the separation of students by gender during
school activities. In situations where this is
necessary, such as for certain SPHE classes,
transgender students should be included
in the group that corresponds with their
preferred gender identity. In single-sex
schools it is good practice to avoid gender
stereotyping in relation to planning the
content of programmes. For example,
providing only sporting activities in allboys
settings or providing dance and music
activities in all-girls settings. Where
feasible, and within the resources
available, schools should offer varied
programmes which address a wide range
of interests and aptitudes.
4.4.4 School uniforms
Many schools require students to wear a
school uniform. All students, including
transgender students, should be expected
to follow the school uniform policy and to
comply with set policies on use of make-up,
appropriate dress, jewellery, etc. Students
who are transgender should be permitted to
wear a uniform that is consistent with their
gender identity. For some schools this will
present more of a challenge than others.
For many schools variation in the uniform is
available (i.e. trousers, skirts and tracksuits).
In a single-sex school context, varied
uniform options may not be readily available
and consequently specific accommodations
will be necessary for a student who
transitions to their preferred gender. Any
special accommodations should be worked
out with the student and his/her parents/
guardians. At a minimum a gender neutral
option should be offered. For example
single-sex girls’ schools may need to consider
allowing trousers to be worn. Single-sex boys
schools may need to consider a variation in
uniform options.
In settings where there is no uniform it
should not be assumed that clothing is
not an issue. Regardless of whether the
school has a uniform the issue of clothing
can be included in discussions on the
transition plan with the student and
his/her parents/guardians.
The main consideration is that each student
should feel safe and supported to express
themselves through their clothing whilst
maintaining school uniform/dress code
regulations. The following section also
addresses uniforms in the context of sports.
4.4.5 Physical Education and sport
Physical Education (PE) is an important
area of the second-level curriculum. It
is intrinsically linked with maintaining
physical and mental health and overall wellbeing.
All students, including transgender
students have the same right to physical
education and sport as other young people
and should be encouraged to participate in
sport and physical education.
Research in the USA (GLSEN, 2013) has
found that many LGBT students reported
that discrimination prevented them from
participating in sports fully and safely.
When physical education and
sports are separated according
to gender, students should be
permitted to participate according
to their gender identity.
A Resource for Post-Primary Schools to Prevent Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying and Support LGBT Students
21