Almost three quarters (71 per cent) of teachers in UK schools have witnessed homophobic bullying in the classroom, according to new research released today.
The study, commissioned by Amazon as part of research into LGBT bullying in schools, also shows that more than one in three teachers (35 per cent) claim they witness homophobic at least once a month.
The research was carried out by YouGov in partnership with LGBT+ education charity, Just Like Us. The results also show:
· Homophobic bullying is the most common motivation behind bullying in schools (13 per cent), when compared to racism (11 per cent), sexism (7 per cent) and religion (2 per cent)
· More than half (58 per cent) of teachers would support the idea of businesses discussing the importance of LGBT+ inclusion in schools
In response to the findings, Amazon has partnered with Pink News to create a programme called The Reading Roadshow to improve LGBT+ education in schools, as well as donating £5,000 to Manchester’s Pride Trust.
The Reading Roadshow will provide inclusivity workshops and free LGBT+ inclusive books for participating schools. The literature, approved by school literacy experts, includes texts by authors such as Alex Bertie, Lisa Williamson, E.M Forster and Becky Albertalli.
The Reading Roadshow visited Coop Academy in Swinton ahead of this year’s Manchester Pride Festival. Students at the Academy spoke to Amazon volunteers and ambassadors from Just Like Us about how to tackle LGBT+ bullying in their school, before glamazon members (Amazon’s LGBT+ affinity group) read extracts from the book selection.
Simon Johnson, UK Country Manager for Books, Amazon and executive sponsor of the Amazon LGBT+ employee affinity group, said: “Diversity and inclusion can make everybody stronger – benefitting communities, schools and across society as a whole. So by meeting positive role models, running workshops which tackle the causes of bullying and opening young minds to literature that challenges stereotypes, we hope the LGBT+ Reading Roadshow has a positive impact on students and builds on the existing work of schools.”
Morgane Galizzi, Pride Group Leader and Science Technician at Coop Academy Swinton, said: “It’s been fantastic to have Amazon and Just Like Us deliver this workshop about what LGBT+ is. The personal experience of their LGBT+ role models was particularly impactful. After working towards more equality and inclusivity in our school throughout the year, we are grateful to receive these amazing books for our school library. It’s brilliant to see Amazon supporting us to be a more inclusive school and inspiring us with their LGBT+ role model.”
Amazon has also supported a charity that offers lifesaving and life-enhancing support for young people in Manchester, Proud Trust. The charity has received a donation of £5,000 from the local Amazon fulfilment centre and was chosen as this year’s Stand Out Charity.
The Proud Trust delivers an extensive range of learning opportunities for children and young people to raise awareness about inclusiveness. The charity also offers youth groups, peer support, manages the LGBT Centre for Manchester and delivers training and resources.
