Challenging Homophobia in schools
It is everyone's job
Discrimination and homophobic abuse is present in school environments and can come in various forms including verbal, physical and sexual violence.
In a 2017 survey of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender young people between the ages of 13 to 25, 71% reported that they experienced some form of bullying at school because they identified as being not heterosexual.
​
Another similar survey carried out by Stonewall in 2017 found that 48% of lesbian, gay and bisexual students had experienced bullying because of their sexual orientation.
Furthermore, a survey by the UK government found that a third of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community had been the victim of homophobic bullying while in education.
​
Further reading:
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/files/tackling_homophobic_language_-_teachers_guide.pdf
That's so Gay!
That's so homophobic
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Confidently challenge the use of homophobic language in all settings
How to challenge homophobia
Refer to PT, Line manager or Pupil support if this behaviour continues
Explain that homophobic
language is not acceptable, even if it is not directed at someone
"By saying something is gay when you mean bad that implies it is bad to be gay"
Record and monitor instances of homophobia and bullying