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Citizenship | Relationships and health

LGBT pupils and the long fight for acceptance

"I was so ashamed of my sexuality that I thought about taking my life." Those are the words of Amber, describing the devastating impact of the homophobicShowing a dislike for gay people. bullying she endured at school. Sadly Amber's experience was far from unique. Sidonie Bertrand-Shelton from StonewallA lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights charity founded in the UK in 1989. It is the largest LGBTQ+ rights organisation in Europe.  told The Day that nearly half of LGBTStands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The initialism, as well as some of its common variants, functions as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identity.+ pupils in the UK are bullied for their sexuality or gender identity. In more than 40% of cases, bullying takes the form of verbal abuse, but 7% of LGBT+ pupils also experience physical violence. These statistics may seem shocking when set against recent advances in LGBT+ rights. Section 28A series of laws across the UK that prevented local authorities from engaging in the “promotion of homosexuality”. It resulted in self-censorship among LGBTQ+ groups. was repealed in 2003 and, in a landmark victory for equal rights, gay marriage was legalised in 2014. In 2016, 64% of the British public said same-sex relationships are "not at all wrong", compared with just 11% in 1987. But discrimination is still a reality for many, and the trauma of bullying can influence the path of a young person's life. "I lost confidence and the power to succeed," says 16-year-old George. He eventually dropped out of school after bullies made him feel unsafe there. According to Bertrand-Shelton, LGBT+-inclusive RSERelationships and sex education helps all pupils "understand the importance of acceptance of others". Just one in six LGBT+ young people are taught about same-sex relationships at school, which can make them less likely to report abuse. Under new government guidance, however, sex education should contribute to "a reduction in gender-based and homophobic prejudice". In schools where pupils are taught about LGBT+ issues, LGBT+ students are less likely to be bullied and more likely to report feeling safe, welcome and happy at school. This was the case for Sadie, who says she was able to achieve "confidence and acceptance" because her teachers celebrated gay figures, such as Audre LordeAn American writer, philosopher and civil rights activist who died in 1992. She described herself as "Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet". . In 2018, are LGBT+ relationships accepted? There's a long way to go, say some. Statistics show that LGBT+ people across society are more likely to suffer from poor mental health and related problems such as substance abuse, due to discrimination and social isolation. While crucial advances have been made in legal rights, too little is being done to address this lingering, insidious bigotryPrejudice towards a certain group, and an unwillingness to change your mind. . That's not to mention the level of hate frequently faced by transgenderSomeone whose gender identity (what they feel inside) does not match the gender identity they were assigned at birth (based on their biology). people. We should be proud of how far we've come, respond others. Just five decades ago, homosexuality was illegal and people lived with shame and secrecy. In 2018, there's never been a better time to live freely and happily as an LGBT+ person. While homophobia still exists, it is completely unacceptable in society and homophobic actions are rightly recognised as hate crimes. Q & A What do we know? The UK government has committed to RSE inclusive of LGBT+ issues when the lessons become compulsory in 2020. Bertrand-Shelton, Stonewall's head of educational programmes, hailed the move as "a promising step" and says the charity will work with the government to guide teaching and to provide schools with the resources for "an education that reflects and celebrates diversity". What do we not know? Exactly what LGBT+ content the government's new RSE curriculum will include and whether it will go far enough. "It's vital that students learn about LGBT+ people and their experiences across every subject, not just in RSE or as a one-off in PSHE. When young people see themselves reflected in what they learn, they are more likely to grow up feeling welcome," said Bertrand-Shelton. It should teach "the importance of acceptance".KeywordsHomophobic - Showing a dislike for gay people.

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