LGBT resource for schools launched

Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has launched a new resource for post-primary schools on providing safe, supportive and affirmative environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people in schools.

The GLEN/Dept of Education and Skills Resource includes the first ever guidance for post-primary schools on supporting students who are transgender.

“Every classroom in every school has young people who are LGBT. School life for many of these young people is still very difficult, often with serious consequences for the self-esteem and mental health of the most vulnerable,” according to Sandra Irwin-Gowran, GLEN’s Director of Education.

Minister O’Sullivan said: “I am delighted that my Department is supporting this resource. It will support schools in the implementation of my Department’s Anti-Bullying Procedures, by providing support to key members of school staff on addressing homophobic and transphobic bullying and on supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students”.

“It is important that we create a positive culture and climate in our schools where all students feel accepted and welcome regardless of their background or sexual orientation” continued the Minister.

“Very many school communities and school leaders are looking for guidance to ensure that their schools are welcoming for all students, and that the young LGBT people in their care are safe, supported and affirmed” says Irwin-Gowran.

“We hope that young LGBT people in our schools will see this resource as a beacon of hope that the goodwill that now exists among the educational community and the broad Irish public will result in transformed school climates that fully include and value them,' she added.

The resource will be sent to every second level school in the country.