The Forgotten Few?

I’m sure we’ve all heard the 1 in 10 figures, and whether or not you believe them, they seem as good a basis for an argument as any. If 1 in 10 of the girls in my school are gay, that means there are approximately 2.5 l/fc (lesbians per form class).

Yet schools across the UK, and indeed across the world are constantly failing 10% of their pupils. I won’t be naive here, I know the 1 in 10 figures are debatable, and in particular with youth, where many people are confused, uncomfortable or just unaware of their sexuality the real number (currently) may actually be less than this. That’s not to say that 1 in 10 of school pupils won’t decide they are gay at a later age, finding the challenge of overcoming opinions they learnt at school.

School is meant to present a basis for life; opinions, attitudes and life skills are learnt alongside the books and studies. Whereas racism is no longer tolerated, homophobia is allowed to become commonplace, so much so it is accepted as an insult. Bullying because of sexual orientation, or presumed sexual orientation is so common now that I have witnessed staff overlooking it, taking what could potentially be extremely damaging as a joke.

Like the military, there is very much a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ attitude, not just for pupils, but also for teachers. Homosexual staff members feel they must hide their sexuality and that aspect of their lives, while their heterosexual counterparts are free to discuss trivial matters, and to bring their partners to events.

Gay students’ needs are entirely ignored by sexual health lessons. It’s almost like invisibility makes it ok.

Jeff Perrotti, who has devoted himself to making classrooms ‘safe’ for LGBT pupils said:

“Each of us is someone who could, in some small way, help make gay kids feel safe, welcome and valued at their schools. What better time to begin than the start of a new school year?”

And yet I feel we need to do more – more than just offering safety, but to offer acceptance and a chance to allow gay students to develop their sexuality in the same ways as their straight peers. An end to silence and an end to discrimination.

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The image above is taken from 'Lost and Delirious' - a fab film based on the novel by Susan Swan. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out.