A complete guide Equality and Diversity (LGBTQ+ Edition)

What is Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion?

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is a set of principles and practices that ensures fair treatment and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or identity. To achieve this, schools must ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstance. 

What does LGBTQ+ stand for? 

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and the "+" symbolises inclusivity of other sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions not specifically listed, such as Intersex, Asexual, and Non-binary.

Why is it important for schools to promote diversity?

Promoting diversity in schools is an important factor in creating inclusive learning environments where all children and young people can thrive. Weaving diversity into your curriculum improves the learning experience, nurtures empathy, and prepares young people for life in a diverse society. Here’s why schools should prioritise talking about diversity:

Creates an inclusive learning environment

Promoting diversity creates an inclusive and supportive environment where all students feel values, respected, and safe, enhancing their ability to learn.

Broadens student perspectives

Understanding diverse cultures, viewpoints, and experiences helps students develop critical thinking and empathy.

Reduces prejudice and biases

Promoting diversity in schools helps reduce stereotypes, biases, and discrimination, it encourages acceptance and respect for everyone in the school community.

Improves academic outcomes

Research shows that promoting diversity in the classroom can lead to better academic performance as well as social outcomes for all pupils.. 

How to promote EDI in Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts

EDI in schools creates a supportive and inclusive culture where all points of view are valued, and every pupil feels respected, safe, and empowered to learn. It’s important to promote diversity through every aspect of your school community. Here are a few ways you can do that.

• Develop inclusive policies

• Create a diverse curriculum

• Conduct regular staff training

• Encourage student-led ED&I initiatives

• Implement inclusive recruitment practices

• Measure and monitor progress

• Engage parents and your wider community

• Address bias and bullying

• Celebrate diversity through events, assemblies, and awareness celebrations such as Pride

What is Pride Month? 

Pride is a key event in the LGBTQ+ calendar and a perfect opportunity for schools to promote allyship, celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and increase visibility. 

The annual Pride Month celebration occurs in June, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and promoting awareness, acceptance, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. It involves parades, events, and activities that highlight the community's history, achievements, and ongoing struggles for equality.

Celebrating Pride in your school will contribute to creating a welcoming, accepting, and inclusive environment. Taking the time to educate young people about the LGBTQ+ community normalises it and will help reduce the incidence of LGBTQ+ phobia and bullying.

10 tips for creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive school environment

Use correct pronouns

Respect a pupils’ identity by using their correct pronouns. If you make a mistake it’s ok, just apologise and try to get it right next time. 

Challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia

Pupils should know that if they use the word ‘gay’ as an insult it will be treated as homophobic bullying and dealt with accordingly. 

Be a visible ally

Think about the small things you can do every day to show that you are an LGBT ally, for example wearing a rainbow lanyard or badge. These moments add up to have a huge effect on the inclusive environment you’re creating for your pupils. 

Teach an inclusive curriculum

Find ways to integrate LGBTQ+ history, literature, and issues into the curriculum to help pupils learn about the diverse perspectives over time. 

Use inclusive language

Think about ways you can use inclusive language throughout your school, and encourage correct pronoun usage amongst pupils. For example, use could use ‘everyone’, ‘class’ or ‘folk’ to refer to pupils and consider using ‘Head Pupils’ instead of ‘Head Boy’ and ‘Head Girl’.

Create safe spaces

Create safe spaces or channels that LGBTQ+ students can use to seek refuge, support, and speak up. Tootoot’s pupil voice messenger is a great digital tool for this. 

Uphold confidentiality

Remember to emphasise confidentiality and put systems in place to ensure that a students’ identity and personal information is kept confidential unless they choose to share it. 

Use inclusive forms

Use inclusive language on forms and documents, allowing your pupils to use their gender and preferred name. 

Highlight role models

Highlight LGBTQ+ role models in various fields to provide positive representations. You can use our assemblies as a starting point for these conversations. 

Build community partnerships

Work with local LGBTQ+ organisations and charities to access resources, support, and other learning opportunities for students and staff.