Just Like Us has spoken out about the negative impact this new draft will have on young people in schools
BY GEORGIA SWEET, IMAGE BY INKDROP
The charity Just Like Us released a statement on the UK government’s new guidance for gender-questioning children.
Last year, the government published a draft of their guidance stating that schools and colleges do not have to, and should not, accept all requests for social transition. When considering a request they should take a cautious approach, including “watchful waiting periods” and consulting the parents.
Just Like Us was founded in 2016 and is dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA young people. They provide inclusive educational resources to help make schools safer and a more welcoming place for those in the community.
The charity said the recent guidance the government has put out is “deeply disappointing” for the community. Just Like Us continued by saying that “it furthers the pain and misunderstanding that trans people have experienced in recent years.”
Just Like Us is encouraging school leaders and teachers to continue supporting all LGBTQIA students by not implementing the draft as it alienates trans and gender-diverse students from education. They have also said that the new guidance is “unclear, impractical and many questions have been raised over its legal standing”.
Rain, a young trans person Just Like Us works with, said: “If teachers follow the draft guidance, it would be catastrophic for trans pupils already struggling at school, like I did. I worry that these considerations aren’t made with the advice and opinions of trans young people being listened to and taken into account, but rather from external pressure.”
“My teachers were really good about my pronouns, which really helped with my confidence. I believe that trans young people should be allowed to be themselves at school, but what would be even better would be if they were actually supported to do this.”
Just Like Us have said trans and gender-diverse children deserve to be respected and valued in their schooling environment, just like the rest of their peers. They will be submitting an evidence-based response to the consultation which will set out how this draft does not support LGBTQIA students.
Another trans young adult Just Like Us works with, Elliot Kwabena, said: “Children should have the space to express themselves in the way that makes them feel most comfortable. These policies would exacerbate an environment of intolerance in schools at a time when transphobic bullying is rife at all key stages. When young people observe adults belittling and disrespecting someone because of who they are, they are far more inclined to follow suit.”
The charity hopes the government will meet its previously stated claim that “all LGBT people should feel welcomed and safe at school, college and university so they can reach their full potential.”
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
