Scotland will become the first country in the world to embed LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Intersex) inclusive lessons into its educational curricula to tackle homophobia and discrimination in the country, as well as to inculcate acceptance in the students from a young age.
By 2021, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ history, issues themes will be mandatory for public schools across the country. Themes will include ‘LGBTI terminology and identities; tackling homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia; prejudice in relation to the LGBTI community; and promoting awareness of the history of LGBTI equalities and movements’, and the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The government will also fund appropriate training and resources for the teachers to foster and promote inclusivity without opt-outs or exemptions.
The Scottish government adopted the proposal to include LGBTQ+ inclusive prospectus in its educational institutions, earlier, during the month of November, 2018. “Scotland is already considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTI equality. I am delighted to announce we will be the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded within the curriculum,” Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney said in 2018.
Members of the Scottish Parliament pose with the symbol of the TIE campaign after announcing their LGBTI curriculum on Nov. 8, 2018. Image Via NBC News
The proposal was suggested by a working group called Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign. Jordan Daly, the co-founder of TIE, said “This is a monumental victory for our campaign and a historic moment for our country. This sends a strong and clear message to LGBTI young people that they are valued here in Scotland.”
According to a research done by TIE in 2016 for the Scottish population, 90% of LGBTQ+ people experience homophobia, biphobia, transphobia in schools, and 27% of LGBTQ+ people attempted to commit suicide after being bullied – some, unfortunately, more than once.
“Education is one of the most vital tools we have to tackle bullying, prejudice, and discrimination – and it shapes the fabric of our society. We now look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government as we progress towards full implementation,” said Daly.
Image Via LGBT Youth Scotland.
As per Global Citizen’s accumulated research, LGBTQ+ youth are vulnerable at school as they are more prone to bullying and harassment because of their sexual orientation and identity. However, LGBTQ+ youth attending schools with anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies experience less anti-LGBTQ victimization than in schools without protections.
The implementation comes twenty years after the repeal of Section 28 in Scotland, which prohibited schools and local administration from promoting homosexuality.
Scotland is considered to be one of Europe’s best countries for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2014, the country legalized same-sex marriage. Prior to that, the same-sex civil partnership has been legalized since 2005, same-sex couples can legally adopt and foster parent since 2009, and discrimination on the basis of gender and sexuality has been banned since 2010.
Image Via Bustle.
More countries are adopting LGBTQ+ inclusivity into their school curriculum. Wales and Republic of Ireland are in the process of reviewing the inclusion in schools. In the UK, some schools have already accommodated LGBTQ+ themes into their syllabus, while some are updating their system for the same. The government paves its way towards inclusivity despite vehement objections from the parents who believe the schools are “promoting homosexuality and LGBT ways of life” to their children.
Feature Image Via Canva
