Sandra Gowran 20 June 2007 GLEN Education Policy Initiative SDPI Summer School Equality Workshop on Sexual Orientation

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“Coming Out” Average age is 15 years Opening Up to Yourself Coming OutLiving Openly : A Continuum The period when your journey is beginning – when you’re asking yourself questions, moving towards coming out to yourself and perhaps the decision to tell others. The ongoing phase after you’ve initially talked with the people closest to your about your life as a LGBT person, and are now able to tell new people that come into your life fluidly – where and when it feels appropriate to you. The period when you’re actively talking for the first time about your sexual orientation or gender identity with family, friends, co-workers, classmates and other people in your life. Sexuality: A key development task of adolescence

Equality Issues relating to sexual orientation

Invisibility / Silence Problematic / Homophobia Equality Issues relating to sexual orientation

Silence: “My school educates its pupils about homosexuality clearly and fairly…” No = 93% Yes = 7%

Homophobia: “My school is proactive about tackling homophobic bullying…” No = 63% Yes = 37%

Needs of LGB students As for all students: 1.Safety and support 2.Positive Recognition and Role models 3.Skills, knowledge and attitudes to achieve their full human potential (e.g. to equip them with regard to positive self image & self-esteem, relationships, mental health & sexual health.

Challenges Denominational Schools Agreement of Parents and BoM’s Reluctance of some staff Residual Stigma – absence of champions Not considered a diversity issue Often problematised Resistance to ‘labelling’ young people Young people ‘coming out’

Relevant Policy Areas Mission, Vision and Aims Codes of Behaviour Anti-Bullying Guidance Plan Curriculum Planning SPHE / RSE

Discussion Questions 1.Are there any ‘out’ LGB students / teachers / parents in your school community? How are they received? 2.What experiences have you had in your school with regard to LGB issues? 3.What is your school currently doing to address the inclusion of LGB students and issues? 4.Choose a statement that best describes how your school deals with LGB issues. Address the same question to yourself. 5.Choose a statement that least describes how your school deals with LGB issues. Address the same question to yourself. 6.Using these statements prioritise actions to address this issues in relation to planning and good practice.

Creating an Inclusive School Acknowledge & identify the presence of LGB students and the issue of bullying Develop policies that recognise the presence of LGB students and the existence of homophobic bullying Promote a positive social environment Address staff training needs Provide information & support for pupils Integrate sexual orientation in curriculum planning Use outside experience Encourage role models Don’t make assumptions Celebrate Achievements