LGBTQIA+ Rights

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia (and acephobia) - sometimes called queerphobia - is still rife in the UK education system, from overt bullying language, to exclusionary rules around gender identity, to the omission of non-heteronormative experiences in sex education. And whilst more young people have come out as trans and non-binary than ever before, visibility has sparked an increase in transphobic targeting and hate crime (especially towards trans and non-binary people of colour) .

Below is a collection of articles and resources from within Changemakers Lab, Change Collective’s activist training programme, and from other organisations - ranging from practical toolkits to videos and podcasts - showcasing the work of young people and other activists fighting for dignity and respect for queer identities and lives. Is there something missing from here? Fill in this form to add a resource!

“The first thing I was told when coming out was how hard life would be because of who I was. It is, but it is also glorious and I wouldn’t change it for a second.”

— Ellen Jones

In the UK…

stonewall.org.uk Stonewall School Report (2017): The experiences of lesbian, gay, bi and trans pupils in Britain’s schools Almost half of all LGBT pupils still face bullying at school for being LGBT.. — stonewall.org.uk
**Stonewall School Report (2017): The experiences of lesbian, gay, bi and trans pupils in Britain’s schools**
Almost half of all LGBT pupils still face bullying at school for being LGBT..

bbc.co.uk School LGBT bullying projects axed by government Government-backed projects tackling bullying of LGBT students in England's schools have had their funding pulled.. — bbc.co.uk
**School LGBT bullying projects axed by government**
Government-backed projects tackling bullying of LGBT students in England's schools have had their funding pulled..

theguardian.com I know what it's like to be a trans teen at school. Here's how to deal with the bullying A new report shows 64% of trans pupils are bullied for their gender identity. But some small actions can help change lives.. — theguardian.com
**I know what it's like to be a trans teen at school. Here's how to deal with the bullying**
A new report shows 64% of trans pupils are bullied for their gender identity. But some small actions can help change lives..

cypnow.co.uk Ofsted ‘will not downgrade’ primary schools that do not teach LGBT lessons Primary schools that do not teach pupils about same-sex relationships as part of mandatory relationships and sex.. — cypnow.co.uk
**Ofsted ‘will not downgrade’ primary schools that do not teach LGBT lessons**
Primary schools that do not teach pupils about same-sex relationships as part of mandatory relationships and sex..

pinknews.co.uk Schools reminded they could face legal action if they don’t allow trans pupils to use toilets matching their gender identity The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has reminded schools that it is unlawful to ban.. — pinknews.co.uk
**Schools reminded they could face legal action if they don’t allow trans pupils to use toilets matching their gender identity**
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has reminded schools that it is unlawful to ban..

inews.co.uk We finally have an LGBT-inclusive curriculum – now teachers must be supported to implement it New regulations for teaching relationships and sex education in English schools are.. — inews.co.uk
**We finally have an LGBT-inclusive curriculum – now teachers must be supported to implement it**
New regulations for teaching relationships and sex education in English schools are..

Are you aged 14-18 and passionate about campaigning for change in the education system?

The Changemakers Lab 2021 training and campaign programme is now underway, but fill in this form if you would like to get involved in Change Collective, Changemakers Lab or other upcoming projects.

Resources for Action

Inspiring activism and resources to help us to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in education. Add your resources to this collection; send us your suggestions via the form above, or via email, twitter or instagram.

Mermaids has been supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families since 1995.

Gender Identity Research & Education Society

LGBTQIA+ Articles from Everyday Feminism

Stonewall's Vision for Change 2017-2022

A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools

Campaigning for gender neutral bathrooms (US)

Young Activist Network - film exploring the real experiences of Norfolk's trans youth

Loudspeaker! is asking you to stand with trans and non-binary young people by writing to your MP - Young Activist Network

Developed for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and the Youth Justice Board

Factsheets and resources relating to policies and procedures for schools

#Youthactivist Ellen Jones - LGBTQ+ inequality in schools