In the ever-evolving landscape of education, creating inclusive environments is imperative for the holistic development of students. While schools play a crucial role, the involvement of parents is equally essential. This blog will explore the significance of working collaboratively with parents to foster LGBT+ inclusion in schools.

As we step into 2024, I find myself reflecting on the transformative journey that led me from a reserved individual to the proud owner of Queer Education Consultancy. The beginning of a new year is not only about resolutions and forward-looking aspirations but also a moment to acknowledge the transformative strides we've made.

We all have a role model, someone we look up to or aspire to be like in our lives. In schools, our curriculum is littered with famous role models; from Sir David Attenborough to Malala Yousafzai. In addition, our students look up to us, as teachers, as role models too. But, for our LGBTQ+ young people, where are there role models? What positive stories can they find to affirm that it’s OK to be LGBTQ+?

I’ve been wanting to write a blog around the concept of heteronormativity ever since I began working in the space of EDI as a consultant to help cis/het peers develop some level of understanding. It’s something that I’ve grappled with for many years.

According to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), heteronormativity is ‘It the assumption that everyone is ‘naturally’ heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is an ideal, superior to homosexuality or bisexuality.

Attending the #DiverseEd Conference in Bristol on Saturday felt perfectly timed. The backdrop of recent developments from the UK government regarding the trans community weighed heavily on my mind as I prepared for the day ahead. It seemed as if the trans community was under siege from multiple angles: teachers potentially being allowed to discriminate against trans young people in schools and the proposed ban on trans women from women’s wards.

Today marks the National Coming Out Day. To mark this annual day, I wanted to share my experience, as a gay man navigating his own coming our journey, but also as an educator who has been privileged to be trusted by young people who have shared their identity with me.

Firstly, this day is not just a mere date on the calendar; it symbolises a significant milestone in the lives of countless LGBTQ+ individuals, especially for trans and non-binary young people who often face unique challenges on their journey towards self-acceptance and authenticity.

World Teachers' Day, celebrated every year on 5th October, provides us all with the opportunity to honour and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of fellow teachers across the world. It is a time to recognise the crucial role teachers play in shaping our children and young people as they prepare for life in a global society. This year's theme, "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage" is an increasingly important one. However, as we celebrate teachers, it is equally crucial to address the wellbeing and mental health of LGBTQ+ educators in particular and emphasise the importance of creating inclusive environments where they can be their authentic selves at work and therefore improve recruitment and retention of staff.

To mark this years’ Black History Month, we have collaborated with My Science Club to create a pack of Black LGBTQ+ scientists. You can access the posters and information packs in our resources section, or by clicking HERE.

However, I wanted to take the time in this blog post to discuss firstly, the nature of intersectionality, but also the lack of diverse representation among the LGBTQ+ community for people of colour. I’m conscious that I write this as a white man, and have some unconscious biases which may permeate through. I apologise in advance for this and am open to be further educated around these; just as I would support those learning about the LGBTQ+ community.

As the new school year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the power of clothing as a tool for expressing our true selves. The binary expectations embedded in formal work attire have long been a challenge, especially for those of us who identify outside the norm. How do we express our queerness while navigating the corporate or educational world?

As summer wanes and a new academic year beckons, join us in reflecting on the journey ahead for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools. Discover the drive to move beyond mere tolerance, fostering acceptance and respect for LGBTQ+ educators and students alike. Explore the challenges, aspirations, and the crucial role of visibility in shaping an inclusive future.

As an individual who experienced education under Section 28 and later worked in schools, witnessing firsthand the profound impact of developing queer safe spaces for children and staff, I found my calling to advocate for inclusive education. Today, I am proud to share my personal mission, aligned with the values of Queer Education Consultancy, to empower educators and schools to embrace queer diversity and inclusion, creating a safe haven for all.

We have compiled a snapshot of some of the more ‘impactful’ research currently available in the UK. This report (Queer Representation: so what?) summarises key findings from recent research, shedding light on the potential of queer representation in schools and the path towards fostering a culture of acceptance.

The legacy of decolonisation in British territories has played a significant role in shaping queer civil rights. However, it is crucial to examine the broader global context and explore the impact of education on LGBTQ+ equality. This blog post delves into the interplay between decolonisation, queer civil rights, and the transformative role of education in progression towards LGBTQ+ inclusion beyond the western perspective.

In recent years, there has been significant progress in recognising and embracing the LGBTQ+ community. For many, there is one event in the calendar that highlights this progress: Pride month. Pride is a time dedicated to commemorating the history, struggles, and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. While Pride celebrations have more recently been associated with festivals and parades, it is crucial to recognise the significance of Pride as a protest movement, aiming to advance the queer civil rights movement.

Over the recent weeks, there have been various reasons for me to need to defend/answer/justify this very question. Every thing from the petition to remove LGBT+ content from ‘Relationships & Sex Education’ curriculum, parent conversations at different schools I work with, attending an inspiring talk by Peter Tatchell, attending the ever-supportive LGBT+ network with the NAHT and the onset of this year’s LGBT+ History Month. Each of these events has made me reflect on why it is important to have LGBT+ inclusion in schools; not just within PSHE/RSE lessons, but threaded through the fabric of school life.

What is International Pronouns Day?

“International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.” (https://pronounsday.org)

While for those of us who are cisgendered, the importance of IPD may seem trivial, being referred to by the wrong pronouns can particularly affect transgender and gender non-conforming people. As the discourse around …

Why ‘queer’?

A queer history

The use of the term ‘queer’ has been a deliberate choice.

Growing up, it was a term that was seldom used but when it was, it only held negative connotations - predominantly aimed at the LGBT+ community - a slur, an insult. As a result I never identified with the term, or saw it as anything but negative, or so I thought.