Tackling Transphobia in Schools

In this blog, we look at the rise of transphobia in schools and offer practical advice for teachers and parents when it comes to tackling this new wave of discrimination

This month, people up and down the country have been gathering for Pride, a global event that celebrates people and allies across the LGBTQ+ community. Brighton Pride attracts around 500,000 people, with hundreds of other events scheduled up and down the country. But while this is a time of joy, reflection, and solidarity amongst the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities, it comes with the threat of violence, persecution, and bullying. Studies have shown that the Transgender community is the most targeted group in the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, and that 88% of trans people don’t report the hate crimes they experience.

Puberty can be a challenging time for any young person and it’s essential that anyone experiencing gender dysphoria at this challenging stage of adolescence is supported. It is possible they may know become a target for bullying. Here are some of the signs to look out for:

Belongings getting ‘lost’ or damaged
Physical injuries, such as unexplained bruises
Being afraid to go to school, being mysteriously ‘ill’ each morning, or skipping school
Not doing as well at school
Asking for, or stealing, money (to give to whoever’s bullying them)
Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn
Problems with eating or sleeping
Bullying others

But what are some things we can do to help manage transphobic bullying at your school?

How to manage transphobia in schools

Refer to your school's existing anti-bullying policy. While transphobia specifically may feel like a ‘new’ thing, bullying is bullying.

Reconfirm your school's anti-bullying policy with parents and guardians via letter and advise them to have open and honest conversations with children about what it means to be transgender.

Most transphobic hate crimes reported were verbal abuse, including inappropriate questions and derogatory language, so make sure teachers across the school are aware of the threatening language used towards these students so they can listen out for it.

Use an online safeguarding reporting software that can track, monitor and spot trends, like our Queen's award-winning MyConcern. Doing so can ensure that any cases of transphobia, homophobia or bigotry are reported correctly and all incidents are recorded and triaged appropriately in line with your policies and hate crime law.

Consider:

Gender-neutral language, swap ‘good morning boys’ and girls’ for ‘good morning everyone’.
Gender-neutral safe spaces and bathrooms.
Including transgender leaders and popular figures in the curriculum or holding a Pride festival that includes celebrating transfigures.