Fostering Acceptance: Educational Approaches to Support LGBTQ+ Students
By Cierra Olsen
Introduction
Growing up is challenging, and it becomes even more difficult when you feel or act differently from your peers. This is a reality for millions of LGBTQ+ students growing up in the education system around the United Kingdom. That's why teaching LGBTQ+ history is so important. If children have a better understanding of diversity and the world around them, then they will go into adulthood as well-rounded, passionate individuals. Additionally, it is important LGBTQ+ students are supported in their academics and daily life. Whether it is the curriculum being taught, or simply a kind teacher or staff member, LGBTQ+ students deserve to feel loved and supported in education.
The Experiences of LGBTQ+ Children in Learning Environments
A recent study by Stonewall, a UK charity that stands for the freedom and equity of LGBTQ+ people, found that nearly half of LGBTQ+ students experience bullying while learning. Despite the fact that in recent years this percentage has gone down, as it used to be over half, bullying in any form can be detrimental to a child's mental health and development. Even if they are not bullied themselves, the majority of students listen to or observe anti-LGBTQ+ behavior on a daily basis. Stonewall reported 86% of LGBTQ+ students hear phrases such as “that's so gay” each day in the education system. Hearing this rhetoric from people whom you trust and want validation from is damaging to one's mental health. Consequently, when children do not feel welcome in their learning environment, they are less likely to feel welcomed in the outside world.
How to Support LGBTQ+ Students
Many teachers and staff want to support their LGBTQ+ students, but do not know where to start or how to help. As such, here are 3 impactful ways to support an LGBTQ+ student
Respect their privacy:
A primal way to be an ally for an LGBTQ+ student is respecting their privacy. If a student comes out to you it is still possible they do not want to be out to their entire peer group. Thus, it is important the information stays between you and the student.
Use inclusive language
Using inclusive language and non gender-binary pronouns in teachings is another way to ensure LGBTQ+ students feel comfortable in the classroom. Hearing pronouns such as “he” or “she” if a student does not feel like either can make them feel lost and confused. Instead, try and use neutral pronouns such as “they” when you do not know a person's preferred pronouns. Additionally, try not to separate the classroom into boy and girl groups during activities or seating. Instead, find different, more inclusive ways to separate the group.
Address harmful comments
Finally, if you hear another student in the classroom say a phrase such as “that's so gay,” “you’re so gay” and especially words that are considered slurs, address this to the student by pulling them aside and explain why it is not right to say those comments. Doing so makes a massive difference on the environment of the classroom and ensures every child feels welcome and safe.
The Impact of Support
The impact of LGBTQ+ education is substantial. In learning atmospheres where LGBTQ+ history, issues, and rights are taught, there is a noticeable decrease in bullying and homophobia. Stonewall states, “LGBT pupils in these schools are also more likely to report feeling safe, welcome and happy at school.” Feeling welcome and safe in education leads to better mental and physical health, as well as better grades due to an increased ability to focus in class. Each child across the UK and beyond has a right to feel safe in the classroom. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ education and the constant effort made by educators in the UK is a reflection of our commitment to building a society where everyone is valued and respected. This ensures that our education system grows alongside our understanding of diversity, leading to a fairer and more inclusive world for everyone.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/system/files/the_school_report_2017.pdf
https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/five-ways-support-your-lgbtq-students