I've just sent this quote to the TES, who told me the Welsh Assembly are planning to issue guidance on homophobic bullying next year. Thanks to Tony for reminding me to mention transphobia explicitly.
All young people need a safe and supportive space in which to explore their emerging identities.
Schools Out welcomes any initiatives which will improve the situation for LGBT students in Welsh schools.
The Welsh Assembly must show strong leadership and make the guidance compulsory, otherwise schools will not see it as a priority.
The recent guidance in
But they’re missing the point if they think they can solve the problem simply by issuing guidance on bullying.
LGBT identities were censored out of the curriculum because of misplaced fears around Section 28.
Schools must change this culture of silence and introduce LGBT issues throughout the curriculum, like we do with race and multicultural issues.
The Scottish Parliament has seen the importance of this, and has directed resources into promoting LGBT History Month (every February) in its schools.