‘BEING LGBT IN SCHOOL’

Information in relation to
school-based education
and prevention measures
to address homophobic
and transphobic bullying.
This information may be of
assistance for discussions
with parents/guardians and/
or staff.
Schools must promote the Anti-Bullying
Policy. The Department of Education and
Skills’ Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary
and Post-Primary Schools state that the Board
of Management must ensure that the antibullying
policy is regularly highlighted
and promoted on a school-wide basis,
with particular attention being given to
informing incoming students and
their parents/guardians.
School practice is related to laws and
policies. A few key laws govern what
schools must do; the Education Act (1998)
and the Education (Welfare) Act (2000)
are overarching laws, while equality is
embedded by the Equal Status Acts (2000 to
2012). Schools are required to prepare a Code
of Behaviour, along with other policies, that
specify the standards of behaviour which
must be observed by students. Schools have
a responsibility to address homophobic
and transphobic bullying in their antibullying
policies and to ensure education
and prevention strategies are in place to
prevent and tackle such bullying. Parents/
guardians of incoming students are provided
with the school’s Code of Behaviour prior to
registering their child in the school.
Sexual orientation and gender identity
are normal aspects of human identity.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual young people
follow the same developmental challenges
and pathways as those of their heterosexual
peers. Young people who are transgender
often have a number of barriers to overcome
until their preferred gender is accepted by
others and accommodated. Additionally
LGBT students may have to cope with
negative attitudes, discrimination and
harassment directed towards LGBT people.
The school must ensure a positive school
climate and culture where difference is
welcomed and where homophobic and
transphobic bullying is prevented. Fear of
victimisation may reduce the willingness
of an LGBT young person to seek support
or come out. A positive school climate
and culture will provide an appropriate
environment of support where an LGBT
person may choose to come out.
Many parents want schools to positively
address sexuality. Research has shown
the value that parents/guardians place on
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)
(Mayock et al, 2007). Further research reveals
the vast majority of parents/guardians (82%)
felt that issues related to sexual orientation
should be addressed, while 90% of parents/
guardians felt that negative attitudes to
LGBT people should be addressed in schools
(Gleeson & McCormack, 2010).
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‘Being LGBT in School’