TACKLE HOMOPHOBIA

Whole School Approach

Tackling homophobia in schools – what works?

• Zero tolerance to homophobic language is a good starting point.
• Start the work in primary schools, when children are beginning to develop their attitudes, prejudices and assumptions.
• In primary schools work on homophobia fits well within the ethos of an inclusive school that celebrates diversity. For example, the work can focus on exploring different families, such as single parents/carers and including lesbian and gay families; challenging gender stereotypes; recognising and celebrating the fact that we are all different and are all part of the school community.
• Commitment and support from the senior leadership team (SLT) is essential. Many staff may be initially concerned about tackling the issue of homophobia and talking about lesbian and gay issues, thus they need to know they have the support of the SLT.
• A ‘champion’ is needed within the school to prioritise and motivate staff to tackle homophobia. This person needs to have the support of the SLT to ensure a whole school approach is adopted and the issue of addressing homophobia is not seen simply as an issue for the PSHE or guidance department.
• Whole staff training, including non-teaching staff, is essential to ensure that all staff recognise their role in and have confidence to tackle homophobia.
• Access to high quality practical resources that fit within the curriculum is essential. A section of this website points schools in the direction of tried and tested lesson ideas, activities and plans.
• Encouragement and assistance from outside agencies, such as the Local Authority or a relevant third sector organisation, can help to maintain motivation and focus for schools.
• Linking up with and learning from other schools is a positive way to boast confidence, share experiences and build on good practice.
• Clearly placing this work to tackle homophobia within the context of promoting equality and inclusion by challenging discrimination and bullying.
• Linking the work to address homophobia with other initiatives such as Philosophy for Children, community cohesion, promoting good relations, Healthy Schools.
• Education about the impact of homophobia, discrimination and stereotyping is essential but so is work around the positive aspects of the lives and experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Through its three year pilot project working with primary and secondary schools in London and through partnership working with Stonewall, No Outsiders and other organisations, Tacade has identified the key factors above as enabling schools to effectively address homophobia.