Top Tips for addressing homophobia and transphobia

1. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity are very different things however transphobia (discrimination against people for their perceived gender identity)  & homophobia (discrimination against people for their perceived sexual orientation ie. being attracted to others of the same sex) often overlap.  For example gender non-conforming individuals may experience both homophobia and transphobia) therefore the ways schools can address these issues is similar.
2. Ensure all your school policies and mission statement that includes sexual orientation and gender identity in their equalities statement. Specifically the school anti-bullying policy should mention homophobic and transphobic bullying, the relationships and sex education policy should mention same sex relationships and gender identity, the safeguarding policy should reinforce that being lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender in itself is not a child protection issue in itself unless there are other safeguarding concerns.
3. Homophobia stems from ignorance therefore education is crucial (DfE, 2007). Plan your Personal, Social, Health, Education curriculum to include mention of human rights, equality, same sex relationships and gender identity and address gender and sexuality stereotypes. Ensure wider visibility across the curriculum. Stonewalls subject guide may help.
4. Use inclusive language and discuss terminology definitions, assumptions and misconceptions with young people. If unsure about language- seek additional training and support.
5. Make the whole school aware that homophobic and transphobic language and bullying is unacceptable. Address incidences according to the school behaviour policy and record them.
6. Adopting a whole school approach is key. As the school realises and accepts that homophobic language and bullying is no longer being tolerated the school culture shifts into a much more positive environment where individuals can flourish regardless of their (in some cases perceived) sexual orientation or gender identity.

Contact us at the Hub for more help with dealing with teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity and tackling homophobic and transphobic bullying. info@rsehub.org.uk

References

DfE (2007) Safe to learn- Homophobic Bullying
DfE (2009) Safe to Learn- Sexist, Sexual and Transphobic Bullying

(N.B. These guidance documents were produced by the previous government and therefore are not current DfE Anti-Bullying documents however schools may still find them useful so they are provided here for reference. For the latest DfE Anti-Bullying Guidance click here).