A socially safe school; everyone can be themselves there

Room for gender and sexual diversity at school

According to Melissa, attention to gender and sexual diversity should be seen as part of the overall care for a socially safe environment at school. “At a school with a safe and pleasant atmosphere, students can be more open in expressing their identity, views and feelings. They learn to adopt a respectful attitude towards diversity, including gender and sexual diversity.”

You do not create a positive school culture in one day

When asked how to create such a safe and positive school culture, Melissa replies with a laugh that you cannot achieve this in one day. “It is something you work on continuously, together with the entire school team. By regularly discussing the topic with each other and establishing and promoting a positive norm together. In addition, it is important to clearly and consistently reject anything that is exclusionary or discriminatory. This also applies to LGBTQ+ people.”

View the Tips for a positive school culture for LGBTQ+ peopleTips for a positive school culture for LGBTQ+ people (Gendi.nl).

Set boundaries and invite dialogue

“In the classroom, this means setting boundaries around unwanted behaviour and hurtful statements,” says Melissa. “For example, think of a negative comment about gay people. By then also inviting the student who made the comment to explain what makes them say that, you make that student feel heard as well and create room for different views. You achieve more this way than by punishing. Especially when it concerns sensitive topics such as LGBTQ+ issues, it is the teacher’s task to ensure a safe atmosphere in the classroom.”

Read the article on setting boundaries around shouting ‘gay’ at schoolSetting boundaries around shouting ‘gay’ (Gendi.nl).

Order the free poster ‘Agreed’ and put it up in the school or classroom.

Attention to sexual diversity does not have to be a major undertaking right away

According to Melissa, attention to the topic of gender and sexual diversity certainly does not always have to be extensive. “Schools often immediately think of celebrating Purple Friday. But it can also be something small. By mentioning the topic in passing and showing that you are open to it. For example, put up a poster with an LGBTQ+ theme or hang an inclusive flag. Or use inclusive and non-stereotypical examples in lessons more often. Mention a family with two mothers instead of a father and mother. This alone can already help LGBTQ+ students feel safe.”

View the videos of (LGBTQ+) student videos of (LGBTQ+) students (Gendi.nl) in which they talk about when they felt safe at school and what made the difference for them.

Do not shy away from difficulties

Melissa understands all too well that paying attention to gender and sexual diversity can be a challenge for some schools. Especially when the student population is diverse in terms of cultural and religious background. Her advice: “Above all, do not shy away from the difficulties that the topic entails. Keep asking yourself: what are the positive aspects of making room for gender and sexual diversity? What does it bring us as a school?”

View the question from a school that struggled with this dilemma and the answer from the School & Safety Advice CentreSchool & Safety Advice Centre.

See what suits your school

“If you want to get started with the topic, first and foremost look at what suits your school,” advises Melissa. “Find out where you stand regarding the topic. Investigate what is happening and what matters to students and their parents. Based on those answers, you have a starting point for working towards a safe school with room and respect for differences.”

The poster ‘Where do you start?’Poster ‘Where do you start?’ is free to order and provides a starting point for working on sexual integrity at school.

Also read the article Working safely on the topic of sexuality, gender and sexual diversity at schoolWorking safely on the topic of sexuality, gender and sexual diversity at school, with information about developing a vision on the topic and contact with parents.

Gendi helps schools get started

Schools looking for inspiration can visit the website www.gendi.nl. An initiative of School & Safety. Teachers and educators will find teaching materials there, as well as inspiring stories about how other schools integrate attention to the topic. Gendi also provides tips and tools to make teaching and talking about the topic in the classroom easier.