Tackling Homophobia in Haydon School

Is this true in your school? The Terrence Higgins’ Trust and Stonewall survey of more than 300 schools in England and Wales found in 1996: 82% were aware of verbal homophobic bullying in their school; 99% had an anti bullying policy in school; However only 6% recognised homophobic bullying within their policy.

The excuses….. Staff have perhaps heard of Section 28 and think their hands are tied. Some schools claim that parents may object to them doing this work. Name calling is part of growing up.

Stonewall… a lobby group that provides information to government agencies, including the DfES recommend: Schools include homophobia in the bullying policy Define homophobic bullying within the policy Have clear procedures in dealing with bullying Take quick and effective action

Lesbian & Gay men’s experiences of being bullied at school

Where does homophobic bullying take place?

Homophobic bullying Includes, but not limited to Calling another student “gay, poof, dyke, lesbo”. Isolating a student because there are more masculine or feminine than others Physical violence towards another student for acting ‘different’

Address the use of language The words gay, lesbian & bisexual are stigmatised or used negatively. This should be challenged Discussion: You overhear a student say to a friend - “that’s gay”. What action should you take?

Staff attitudes & language Be aware of your own use of language Staff are often unaware that a single comment can spark bullying

Dealing with homophobia Challenge students using negative language - “that’s gay” Don’t accept any kind of name calling in your classroom or around the school Any violence must be dealt with immediately

The next steps Provide positive images of lesbian & gay people along- side those of other individuals and community groups, acknowledging the sexuality of famous and successful lesbians & gay people both past and present. The work needs to be placed in a wider context where lesbians and gay men are seen as citizens and participants in a wide range of activities both past and present. This should happen in the same way as ensuring work presented to pupils includes positive images of black, minority ethnic people, women and people with disabilities, etc. A school should celebrate diversity Discussion: Give an example of how you could include a positive image of a famous gay man or lesbian within a lesson.

Why bother? “Haydon School is ‘committed to individual excellence in a caring community” This must include students that may be gay or lesbian. Schools have a legal duty to provide a safe place for all their students and staff.