1 Show that you are open to questions about gender and sexual diversity

As a teacher, you can clearly show that you are open to a conversation about gender and sexual diversity by putting up a poster in the classroom, reading ‘pink’ stories aloud, or giving an inclusive example in a lesson, such as talking about two mothers/fathers instead of a father and a mother. When you find it difficult to talk about this, it is important to indicate your own boundaries while supporting your student at the same time.

Give careful attention to the experiences of a student who shares a personal story. Personal stories make the atmosphere safer. In addition, personal stories make it difficult to simply condemn someone; getting to know someone is one of the best ways to reduce stereotypical perceptions.

2 Connect with children’s world of experience

Use students’ own words and sentences as your starting point. Connect with their world of experience by adopting a curious and interested attitude toward what concerns them when it comes to sexuality, relationships and gender. Do not tell your student that diversity is not a problem. LGBTQ+ children may wonder whether they are accepted. As a teacher, acknowledge the possibility of that struggle.

3 Put your students’ well-being first

When you talk to your students, it is important to put their well-being first. This enables them to develop to their full potential and feel safe. Two tips:

  • First and foremost, emphasize listening to yourself.
  • In addition, be cautious with advice.

4 Take a student aside for personal questions; otherwise it may feel unsafe

If a student has questions that go too far for a whole-class discussion, offer to continue talking about them together later. This is also a good opportunity to tell all students that they can come to you if they want to talk about something one-on-one. You can also stop the whole-class discussion and speak to certain students about it individually at another time. Say what you feel. And let them know that you think it is important for the student to feel well. For example, you could say that you are worried.

5 Let the student decide when and how to talk about gender, sex or sexual diversity

Show respect for the timing and manner in which people talk about topics relating to gender and sexual diversity. LGBTQ+ students’ identities are not visible. Therefore, they may feel uncertain about how they come across when talking about these subjects. Ideally, a primary school provides an atmosphere in which students do not need to come out, because they can always express their feelings in a natural way.

6 Make sure you know how to help your students access additional support

Supporting an LGBTQ+ student sometimes requires more. It is useful to know which organizations you can refer your student to, and how, when they need more specialized care. Gendi has created a guide. Naturally, involve the parents and, if necessary, a confidential adviser. It is best if you have established these follow-up steps preventively and as part of school policy.

About Gendi

Gendi is an initiative of the School & Safety Foundation. The website www.gendi.nl provides education professionals in primary and secondary education and vocational education with inspiration, knowledge, tips and (teaching) materials to create space for gender and sexual diversity in the classroom, at school and within the team. The aim is for the school to be a safe place where everyone can be themselves.