The role of schools in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion has been a topic of much debate in recent years. With the emergence of LGBTQ+ rights and the broader acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in society, schools have become important spaces for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion to be promoted. While some argue that schools should not be involved in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, others believe schools play a critical role in fostering an inclusive environment regardless of gender identity. This argumentative paper will present an argument favouring schools promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
Schools have an administrative role in providing a safe and supportive environment for all learners, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Schools should also have policies to ensure that all students can participate in activities; this means not only protecting LGBTQ+ students from bullying and harassment but also actively promoting acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (Glazzard and Stones). This can include providing resources for students coming out, such as support groups and counselling services. Schools should also ensure that they have policies to protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and bullying. This can include implementing anti-bullying policies, providing training for teachers and staff, and ensuring that all students feel safe and accepted in the school environment; this will positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students. Research has shown that LGBTQ+ students who attend schools that are supportive and inclusive of their identity experience lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide (Coley and Das). By creating a safe and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ students, schools can help to prevent and address these serious mental health concerns.
Promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in schools helps to foster a sense of community and belonging among LGBTQ+ students. Schools should also work to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in the school community. This can include holding events to discuss LGBTQ+ issues, hosting guest speakers and promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in the school curriculum. This can help to create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in the school and can help to create a more inclusive environment. When students feel accepted and valued for who they are, they are more likely to be engaged in school and participate in academic and extracurricular activities (Johns et al.). This sense of community and belonging can also lead to stronger bonds and friendships among students, creating a more positive and supportive school culture.
Schools help to prepare LGBTQ+ students for life in a diverse and inclusive society. This can include having a diverse student body, faculty and staff and promoting diversity and inclusion in the curriculum. This helps establish a conducive, comfortable, and understanding environment for all students and creates an atmosphere of inclusivity in the school. In today’s globalized world, it is increasingly essential for students to understand and appreciate differences in sexual orientation and gender identity. By promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in schools, students will learn to respect and celebrate diversity and stand up against discrimination and prejudice. It also helps to challenge and change harmful attitudes and beliefs about LGBTQ+ individuals. When students are exposed to accurate and positive information about LGBTQ+ individuals and issues, they are less likely to hold negative attitudes and beliefs (Glazzard and Stones). By promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in schools, people adapt to an accepting culture and inclusive society for all individuals.
Promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in schools is fitting since they act as role models for multiculturalism and the gender equality campaign. Schools should ensure that they have role models in place who are positive examples of LGBTQ+ people, including guest speakers who are open about identity or openly LGBTQ+. Schools can provide students with an education about LGBTQ+ issues and history and a safe space to explore their own sexual orientation and gender identity. Schools should provide students with accurate information about LGBTQ+ issues and create an environment that is open and accepting of LGBTQ+ students (Johns et al.). Therefore, schools can help to create a world where everyone is valued and accepted for who they are.
Conclusion
Promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in schools is a critical issue that has far-reaching implications for the wellbeing and success of LGBTQ+ students. Schools should actively work to create an accepting and tolerant atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals by encouraging students to use gender-neutral pronouns, celebrating LGBTQ+ holidays, and providing adequate representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the curriculum. Challenging harmful attitudes and beliefs and doing what is simply the right thing to do, schools can play a critical role in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion by providing a safe and supportive environment, fostering a sense of belonging, and preparing students for life in a diverse world.
Works Cited
Coley, Jonathan S., and Dhruba Das. “Creating Safe Spaces: Opportunities, Resources, and LGBTQ Student Groups at U.S. Colleges and Universities.” Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World, vol. 6, SAGE Publications, Jan. 2020, p. 237802312097147. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023120971472.
Glazzard, Jonathan, and Samuel Stones. “LGBT Inclusion in Schools.” Leeds Beckett University, 2019, https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/carnegie-education/2019/05/lgbt-inclusion-in-schools/.
Johns, Michelle M, et al. “Strengthening Our Schools to Promote Resilience and Health among LGBTQ Youth: Emerging Evidence and Research Priorities from the State of LGBTQ Youth Health and Wellbeing Symposium.” LGBT Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6551982/
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