Scottish schools are encouraging children to explore their ‘gender identity’ even without the consent of their parents, in guidance issued to schools in mid-November.
The 54 page document, for primary and secondary schools, was welcomed by the Scottish Government, the Children’s Commissioner and numerous local authorities. The guidance, by LGBT Youth Scotland, stated that the ‘ideal scenario’ for gender confused children is for parents to fully endorse their new identity.
As well as helping kids to explore their ‘gender identity’, schools are instructed to accommodate trans young people in every circumstance, even at the expense of the comfort of other pupils.
Referring to school trips, it adds that there is no reason for parents or carers to be informed if a pupil of the opposite sex is sharing a room with their children.
It states that a child who feels ‘uncomfortable’ about sharing facilities with a member of the opposite sex should use another private facility, or wait until the trans young person has finished using the facilities. Children who express discomfort at using the same facilities as a trans child, are to be told that the school has an ethos of ‘inclusion, equality and respect’. It seems these qualities are only applicable to the trans child.
Parents kept in the dark
Pupils who choose to transition and do not wish to tell their parents should be assisted in keeping it secret. If parents/carers are struggling to come to terms with their child’s identity, teachers should make sure that there is a plan to support the young person in school. It is suggested to the school that it may also be useful to approach the local authority for additional guidance.
Although noting that ‘binders’ on a girl’s chest may make sporting activities less comfortable, they are not to be discouraged as they are believed to contribute to ‘good mental health’ in the trans child.
