SexYOUality is Cambridgeshire’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans) charity for young people. We know through our own local research and that of Stonewall (a national LGBT charity) that homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying and language is prevalent in schools across the country and this has been reported by both teachers and young people.
What do we mean by HBT?
Homophobic – when discrimination/bullying takes place against lesbian and gay people.
Biphobic – when discrimination/bullying takes place against bisexual people.
Transphobic – when discrimination/bullying takes place against trans people.
HBT bullying can take many forms, it could be persistent use of verbal slurs or physical attacks because of perceived sexuality or gender identity. HBT bullying affects many young people who don’t necessarily have to be LGBT. Young people who don’t conform to gender stereotypes or those who are perceived to be LGBT can also experience HBT bullying. Even use of the word ‘gay’ to mean broken, useless and rubbish can have a significant effect on young LGBT people’s mental health and sense of safety and acceptance in the school environment.
Do you feel confident that your school competently tackles HBT bullying?
Our school service aims to work with schools to challenge and respond to HBT bullying through educating and informing pupils on issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity in accordance with the local PSHE guidance. In addition, we can provide support, information, training and resources to both teaching and non-teaching staff.
We’ve been working in Cambridgeshire schools now for 11 years, working with over 3500 pupils per year as well as delivering training to over 250 teachers and non- formal education staff across the county.
What we can provide to your school to tackle HBT bullying:
- Workshops to link into your PSHE curriculum
- Opportunities for school managers and governors to attend a themed seminar
- In-house staff training sessions
- Support developing your school’s policies on tackling homophobia, biphobia or transphobia, as well as inclusion and monitoring homophobic incidents for the whole school community
- Support for LGBT young people within the school
- Training for school councils and anti bullying groups around HBT
- Campaigns work with students
- Assemblies
- Staff, governor and parent training sessions
- Access to and guidance on how best to use Stonewall Education Champions and LGBT History Month resources
If you’d like to discuss your school’s needs then please contact us via our contact form or call us on 01223 369508 and we can arrange to meet with you to support you in tackling HBT bullying at your school.