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How Was School For You????
25/01/2008
IN THE SHADOW OF SECTION 28
In 1987, in Scotland, “Section 28, Clause 2A” made it unlawful for.'education authorities to “promote homosexuality” or “promote the teaching … of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. In 2002, Section 28 was overturned in Scotland, but it still seems to be hanging around in people’s memories as something in the past which stops us talking about LGBT issues. Could you change history? School has been a pretty dismal event for a number of LGBT young people before, during and after Section 28. Before and during, LGBT issues were simply not talked about and homophobic bullying was rife, and after, well, LGBT issues are still not talked about much, and yes, you’ve guessed, homophobic bullying is still rife. This is where you come in. LGBT Youth Scotland are working to develop guidance for school staff on how to talk about the things that matter to LGBT young people and how to challenge homophobic bullying. To help illustrate this, we’re looking for young people to write a short account of anything that concerns them in their school. We’re not looking for a novel, and we aren’t marking your spelling and we don’t want to print your name - we just want your thoughts and experiences. So, have a look at the ideas below and let us hear what you have to say.
Do you have a story that shows how well or how badly LGBT relationships were included in PSE?
Could you write about the way LGBT matters were handled in Relationships and Social Education?
Can you tell us how homophobic bullying is challenged in your school?
Would you like to share any experiences you’ve had of what its like being an LGBT young person in school? (Anonymously, of course).
Send your stories - without your name attached, but your age would be useful - to gill.westwood@lgbtyouth.org.uk