From next year in the UK Sex Education classes will include LGBT content

[Gimme More 35,802]

It's been 19 years since government guidelines on what sex education should include and whether it should be compulsory have been updated. But at last, the Department for Education has unveiled its plans for how this is all going to change. 

From next year, there'll be three new subjects introduced - Relationships Education compulsory in all primary schools in England, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) compulsory in all secondary schools, and Health Education compulsory in all state-funded schools. And these will all include LGBTQ+ content.

While individual schools will be able to decide how they address this, the government guidelines recommend it is integral throughout the programmes of study.

The guidelines state:

Pupils should be taught the facts and the law about sex, sexuality, sexual health and gender identity in an age-appropriate and inclusive way. All pupils should feel that the content is relevant to them and their developing sexuality.

Sexual orientation and gender identity should be explored at a timely point and in a clear, sensitive and respectful manner. When teaching about these topics, it must be recognised that young people may be discovering or coming to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

There should be an equal opportunity to explore the features of stable and healthy same-sex relationships. This should be integrated appropriately into the RSE programme, rather than addressed separately or in only one lesson.

 

Responding to concerns about the content, the Department of Education says, all subject content will be "age appropriate" and "must be taught sensitively and inclusively, with respect for the backgrounds and beliefs of pupils and parents while always with the aim of providing pupils with the knowledge they need of the law."

The guidelines also state pupils should be taught about female genital mutilation(FGM), 'honour'-based abuse, forced marriage, menstruation, consent, and sexting.

[funkyhaus 7,697]

It’s so weird how like 10 years ago when I was scared of being gay there was literally no support 

[Galagala 4,622]

2 minutes ago, funkyhaus said:

It’s so weird how like 10 years ago when I was scared of being gay there was literally no support 

It is Tech, social media ,and Lady Gaga that change the world. 

[Sneaky Oliver 22,972]

Hopefully this will become the common thing around the world in the future. It may help many young kids, specially girls and LGBTQI+s. It may actually save many lives as well.

[Reginald 13,841]

5 minutes ago, funkyhaus said:

It’s so weird how like 10 years ago when I was scared of being gay there was literally no support 

 I'm so happy that young lgbtqia+ people can grow up in a world that's more accepting than the one I experienced in childhood

It really feels like our fight for equality is creating change

[misunderstood 8,736]

Not like they'll be satisfied, there'll be more to complain about...just wait 

[Evolve 571]

This is such a great step forward!

[monster4life231 4,304]

I hate this Government but I welcome this change. Ironically, it has been a Conservative Government that has introduced equal marriage and now this.

[Gimme More 35,802]

13 minutes ago, misunderstood said:

Not like they'll be satisfied, there'll be more to complain about...just wait 

at least it's a step in the right direction and i'm sure it'll help a lot of people 

[JazzGa 14,652]

Yes!! My lesbian friends did not even know dental dams and female condoms existed until AFTER they had STI scares  

[JazzGa 14,652]

Edit: Oops a double post

[Regina George 59,387]

Love this! Hopefully it’ll help LGBTQ kids in schools to understand that there is nothing wrong with them and that it’ll teach other kids that there is no difference between them. 

[Gam 19,695]

Glad this country is doing something right 

[RAMROD 117,004]

That is cool

When Adam meet Steve, the birds and the bees were rather hotter. 

 

[Moo 2,082]

FINALLY.

This really should've happened long ago but oh well. Besides acceptance issues, this was always very dangerous not including details of safe sex for gay couples particularly. My partner wasn't even taught same-sex couples could get HIV, or that condoms were a way of preventing it, thinking their only purpose was to prevent pregnancy.

This is a very important step and I'm pleased to see it happen.