Brighton’s updated Trans Inclusion Toolkit is shared with schools

Originally produced in 2013, an updated version of Brighton and Hove council’s Trans Inclusion Toolkit has been shared with all primary and secondary schools in the local area, with the aim to support young gender non-conforming people and encourage schools to implement inclusive policies. The toolkit is one of several guides produced by the City Council around safeguarding, equality and anti-bullying policies to apply to local establishments.

Research by LGBTQ+ advocacy organisation, Just Like Us, found queer school pupils are twice as likely to experience bullying than their straight, cisgender peers. However, it also found that students who attend schools with inclusive policies are less likely to experience poor mental health. Chair of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee, Hannah Clare, hopes that the guide will help “pupils feel comfortable in their own skin so they can make the most of all that education offers.”

The toolkit was produced in collaboration with AllSorts Youth Project and local schools, the guide covers topics ranging from gender stereotyping, language, clothing and pronoun use to safeguarding, confidentiality, toilet/sports facilities and special educational needs. Clare added: “We’re proud to have trans guidance as part of our equalities practice. Sending positive messages of LGBT!Q+ acceptance goes together with positive outcomes for all pupils.”