Sexuality

In this section about sexuality you will find information on:

• Sexual Exploitation
• Coming Out
• Supporting LGB Young People
• Faith Schools

There is no obligation for any person to disclose their sexual orientation. However, homophobic bullying is something which schools have a statutory obligation to address. Addressing homophobic bullying does not mean discussing sex. It means taking decisive and assertive action to prevent bullying.

It is important to remember that homophobic bullying does not just affect LGB people, or those perceived to be LGB. It can also be targeted towards those who are seen to be 'different' in some other way, e.g. because they do not wear the 'right' sort of clothes or they like a different kind of music.

Establishing a sexuality is a normal part of a young person's development and something that should be discussed, not ignored. Generally schools should establish systems and practices that normalise sexuality as a part of 'growing and changing', this should be addressed as part of the PSHE curriculum.

Recognising sexuality in our wider society is a good way of explaining difference and acceptance, references to LGBT people in the Media, TV, Politics, history and understanding their battle for acceptance can assist in young people's understanding of different sexualities.

Schools should address all types of different relationships as part of their Sex and Relationship Education syllabus and positive imagery of all types of family relationship should be present around the school. Making a positive statement about this in the school prospectus can be a supportive way of reaching out to Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual parents.

Useful terms and definitions

Appropriate words to describe someone that will cause no offence:
heterosexual gay lesbian bisexual

Inappropriate words to describe a gay man or lesbian: homosexual (has medical or criminal connotations) pouf dyke queer lezzer

Vocabulary to avoid when discussing a person’s sexual orientation includes inclination proclivity persuasion lifestyle

Sexual orientation is not a TENDENCY or a CHOICE. It is simply a FACT.

Definitions

Bisexual

Bisexual is the term, which refers to a man, or woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to people of both sexes.

Heterosexual

Heterosexual is the term, which refers to a man, or woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Heterosexism

Heterosexism is the assumption that every individual is heterosexual. This has been institutionalised in family, as well as culture and law.

Homophobia

Homophobia describes the aggressive and fearful feelings and behaviour directed at lesbians, gay men and bisexual men and women. These can range from jokes, graffiti, insults and threats, to physical attacks.

Lesbians and gay men

Lesbian and gay are the terms lesbians and gay men prefer to 'homosexual'. Same-sex oriented women sometimes prefer the term 'lesbian' rather than 'gay’ because it reflects their separate identities and experiences.

Sexual orientation

Sexual orientation is the legislative term used to describe how an individual chooses to identify their sexuality, that is, lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual. However, it is better to use the proper terms of lesbian, gay and so on.

(Out of the Shadow - Guidance to Bristol Schools on the Repeal of Section 28, Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, Bristol, BS99 7EB)