LGBT+ equality

Every child is entitled to an education that supports the development of their knowledge and skills as well as their personal development towards a healthy adulthood. However, LGBT+ students still face many challenges in education. Education must be inclusive to reduce the barriers and challenges for LGBT+ children and young people and support them to have a sense of belonging and safety in their school.

Right of trans and non-binary members to self-identify

The NEU remains committed to the important right for people who are trans or non-binary to self-identify.

The NEU recognises trans and non-binary identities and is aware and concerned about the unacceptable levels of discrimination faced by trans and non-binary staff in workplaces and within society. The NEU provides information and advice for all members to use, around LGBT+ inclusion, on how to develop inclusive approaches in schools and colleges, viewing a representative curriculum as central.

The Union’s democratic decisions place this important Union work within a wider agenda of challenging sexism and sex discrimination, and challenging homophobia and stereotypical attitudes about men and women.

The Union believes in the power of education to empower children and young people to identify stereotypes and develop positive attitudes.

Upcoming DfE guidance for supporting trans children

The Union is awaiting the guidance for trans and gender-questioning students from the Department for Education.

Whilst we await this guidance, it is important to emphasise that:

• This guidance will be a draft out for consultation – there is no need to change any policies in reaction to the draft guidance
• This guidance will be non-statutory and act as a guide for schools – it will not be law.
• The NEU has guidance on this issue that we still recommend schools follow: