Schools OUT publishes the news stories below to keep you informed and encourage debate.
Some of these news stories contain a tone and/or a content that is homo/transphobic. A news story featured here does not necessarily reflect the position of Schools OUT.
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NEWS FROM SCHOOLS OUT AND THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Lesbian mothers: My two mums
A recent study found that children raised by lesbian couples were often brighter, happier and more confident than kids brought up in more traditional family units. Here, four women-only households describe their experiences of parenthood - and why tolerance and honesty are the key.
Shahesta Shaitly writes in The Observer
Gay teens more likely to be punished says study
Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens are about 40% more likely than straight adolescents to be punished by schools, police and courts according to a new study. Dale McEwan writes on Pinkpaper.com
Download the research paper:
Criminal-Justice and School Sanctions Against Nonheterosexual Youth:
A National Longitudinal Study
National Youth Chances Project - Metro Centre Research
The Metro Centre in Greenwich are running a Big Lottery funded social research and influencing project to improve the lives of LGBT and questioning 16-25 year olds across England; called the National Youth Chances Project.
They want to hear from you if you know about studies of this demographic - to build the literature review and develop research strategy.
If you are in this age group or leading a group of people of this age you can contribute to the development and roll out of the work. You can share your thoughts and feelings on growing up in England; and get involved with digital projects that will be hosted on the Metro Centre website.
With five years to carry it out - this will be their most comprehensive and influential project ever.
If you or your group would like to share research and be involved NOW, contact Dan on
020 7160 0941 or dan@metrocentreonline.org
Nick Clegg's Anti-bullying Week Video
Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has released a video calling for schools to tackle bullying, emphasising the need to deal with homophobic bullying: Video on YouTube
Toronto schools will soon get better for gay and trans students
The Toronto District School Board, in Canada, is taking a stand against gender-based violence with three new groundbreaking initiatives that will make schools safer for all students, teachers and staff, board officials say. Story on Canadian site Xtra!
Ian Rivers' Blog - well worth a look
One of the patrons of LGBT History Month writes a regular blog. Ian has been working in the field of LGBT Issues and education for many years and is a great champion with plenty to say.
Read Ian's blog
Show your solidarity to young Londoners
Sign up to the 99% pledge
The 'We back the 99 per cent' Pledge initiative aims to bring together organisations and groups to celebrate the 99 per cent of young people who are making a real and positive contribution to London and its diverse communities.
Join the 99% campaign
Anti-gay bullying programme launched in Welsh schools
A major partnership programme aiming to eradicate queer bullying in schools has been launched in Wales yesterday with the endorsement of the Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning Leighton Andrews.
Story on PinkPaper.com
People coming out as gay at younger age, research shows
Stonewall poll finds that the average age those in their 30s came out at is 21 - down from age 37 among the over-60s.
Story on The Guardian site
London school teaches gay history to beat homophobic bullies
A secondary school in north London claims to have almost eradicated homophobic bullying after it started teaching lessons on gay history. Story on London Evening Standard site
'Mama Wu' inspires other Chinese parents of gay children
Beijing, China (CNN) -- Following Wu Youjian's example, several parents took center stage with their gay children at the November 6 "Family Day" event at the second annual Shanghai Pride festival, singing a popular Chinese song titled "Tomorrow Will Be Better." Story on CNN.com
Gay student jumps to teacher's defense
A 14-year-old US student is being celebrated across the Internet after jumping to the defense of his teacher, who was suspended from his job after disciplining an anti-gay student. Story and video on PinkPaper.com
Teachers are 'failing to tackle sexual bullying'
SEXUAL harassment in Welsh schools is not being tackled by teachers, who are failing to identify it as bullying, says the NSPCC. Story on Wales Online
Coming out at work: how easy is it?
Being open with colleagues and bosses shouldn't be a problem – but some gay people still fear workplace homophobia and discrimination. Claudia Cahalane writes on The Guardian website
Zero Percent Rate of Abuse In Lesbian Households
See story on Strollerderby blog
School highlights achievements of world's leading LGBT figures
See article about Stoke Newington School on The Independent website
Successful pre-launch for LGBT History Month
The sports community today joined LGBT activists at a ground breaking event to make plans for the biggest ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History Month, throughout February 2011.
The month aims to raise the profile of LGBT sportspeople past and present, as well as tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport.
Participants in the pre-launch event heard from LGBT sports specialists and organisers of successful LGBT History Month events shared their experience.
Dikeledi Sibanda spoke movingly about the Chosen Few black lesbian soccer team in Johannesburg and their tireless and often dangerous campaign work. She said the South African constitution looks great on paper, but in reality it just didn’t protect her.
BBC TV's Jane Hill compered a panel discussion with John Amaechi, psychologist and former NBA basketball star, Clare Harvey, GB sitting volleyball player, and rugby legend Gareth Thomas.
Gareth spoke of his personal torment in the closet and the liberation of coming out. He cited the power that sponsoring brands such as Nike have to set the agenda and make positive changes.
Clare thought it would be easier to come out before reaching peak performance as there would be less pressure.
John also shared his unique professional insight as both a psychologist and professional sportsman, when he spoke of 'the authenticity of living openly'. The tiny amount of energy a closeted sportsperson reserves to protect themselves really is significant at the level of elite sport.
Sue Sanders, Co-chair of LGBT History Month, commented:
"It's been an amazing, productive day for everyone involved. We heard so many positive stories and great ideas for events. We'll try and share everything on our website.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Dikeledi told us of the brutal murder of her friend and teammate.
Taking on homophobia and transphobia in sport is a huge challenge for us, but I'm bowled over by the expertise and passion in the community to make this happen. I'm already looking forward to some fabulous events in February."
Sue Sanders talks about bigotry in sport to Pink Paper
Lesbian activist calls for sport to tackle homophobia
Huge Response In Castro To String Of Gay Suicides
Hundreds of people took to San Francisco streets on Friday night to send a powerful message and try to save lives.
Read article on: KTVU San Francisco
GLSEN leads the way again...
GLSEN has launched a Safe Space Kit to counter homophobic bullying in schools. It costs $20 per school.
As life experiences of gay teens illustrate, the world is still far from accepting
Teen suicides in the US means the work we do here in the UK is vital.
Read article on: Washington Post
An arts based project exploring age in relation to gender and sexuality; with Gendered Intelligence and Age UK
See InterArts flyer for details
The day my life changed - After 'Gay Dave' jibe I knew I had to take court action over homophobia
Read article on: TES Connect
The US School Year Begins With Another Suicide Because of Anti-Gay Bullying
Read article on: gayrights.change.org
Teachers at Leeds grammar school host anti-homophobia sports day
Click to read the article
Pink Triangle Theatre to perform at U-Nite - event
Click to see the leaflet
Lynne Featherstone's speech to the LGB and T Conference on Gay Pride
Click to find out more
Survey focused on people whose sexual orientation does not fit a 'mono-sexual' model
Take the survey
Stonewall launch guide for teachers of gay students
Read the story:HERE.
Guidance for schools on preventing and responding to sexist, sexual and transphobic bullying
Read the full guide: HERE.
Read the quick guide: HERE.
Gay people share their life stories through new book.
Click here for the story
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