SEXUALITY &
If a student tells you they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning (LGBTQ+), this is perfectly normal and not something to feel afraid of. It may have taken them a lot of courage to tell you about their sexual orientation or gender identity, so how you react to their news will be crucial in making the next stage in their life a positive experience.
LGBTQ+? What does that mean?
• Gay: A person who is emotionally, romantically, and / or physically attracted to people of the same gender.
• Bisexual: A person who is emotionally, romantically and/or physically attracted to people of their own gender and other genders.
• Trans: A person whose gender is in some way different to the one they were given when they were born
• Questioning: They are not sure and are still exploring
• +: There are lots of other identities (see list.)
Some tips when talking to young people about LGBTQ+
• Say ‘thank you’: the fact that they have trusted you enough to speak to you is a privilege
• Ask what support you can give: listen to what they say, and repeat back to check you’ve understood correctly
• Don’t agree to anything you’re not sure of
• Ask what name and pronoun you should use to address them if they have shared that they are transgender. Check if that’s all the time or in certain circumstances
• Ask if you can share information and with whom
• Arrange a time to meet up again, to check in and see how they are doing
• Check if there’s anything else they want to talk about
Anticipate some confusion
Challenge homophobic remarks and jokes.
Top tips for creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ young people:
• Ensure that all staff are familiar with LGBTQ+ definitions so that they are able to provide the appropriate support
• Display positive LGBTQ+ images within settings including books and posters
• Have a movie night and show a Stonewall film followed by a discussion of what the young people have observed in the film
• Ensure all staff do not assume all young people are heterosexual
Getting support for young people
The group offers;
• Safe space to be yourself
• Advice
• Fun
• Activities
• Social Events
• One to one support
• Support in coming out to friends, family, work or collegeFor further information email young.voice@northlincs.gov.uk
Relevant pages
Relevant links
- Brighton and Hove Council publishes a Trans inclusion in schools toolkit
- Mermaids
- LGBT Youth Scotland
- An introduction to supporting LGBT young people: a guide for schools (Stonewall)
- Barnardos – Supporting LGBT young people
- Stonewall primary reading list
- Stonewall secondary reading list
- Inspiring Equality in Education: School Resource (EACH, 2016)
- LGBT Foundation
Rainbow Youth Group email young.voice@northlincs.gov.uk
School Nursing Telephone: 0800 0199 951 or email: rdash.northlincschildrenscaregroup@nhs.net
For a list of things to do go to http://www.positiveactivities.co.uk