Over half (60%) of secondary schools in Scotland have adopted an LGBTQ+ charter to support inclusivity for staff and pupils.
Set up by LGBT Youth Scotland, which provides youth work to LGBTQ+ young people, the scheme provides schools and organisations with training to challenge prejudice and ensure that equality and diversity is at their core.
The scheme has been accepted by 212 of Scotland’s 357 secondary schools, with a further 40 primary schools and 21 colleges and universities either awarded charter status or working towards it.
Ali Kerr, head of partnerships at LGBT Youth Scotland, which hopes to reach 75% of secondary schools over the coming year, said: “These are formative years for young people and it’s vital that LGBTQ+ individuals are supported and that non-LGBTQ+ people feel equipped and inspired to champion inclusivity at every turn.
“Having such a high proportion of Scottish secondary schools, as well as further education providers, working in partnership with us and participating in our LGBT charter shows that schools are playing a key role in creating safe spaces for young LGBTQ+ people in Scotland.
“With nearly two-thirds of secondary schools participating, this represents a significant commitment from Scottish educators to LGBT inclusion.
“The job isn’t done though, we’d ideally love all of our secondary and further education providers to achieve charter status.”
