How To Be LGBTQ+ Inclusive In The Classroom: A Teacher’s Guide
Every child deserves to go through the school system feeling safe and as their authentic selves. However, it can be difficult to know how to help LGBTQ+ students or those questioning their sexual or gender identity.
That’s why we created this teacher’s guide on how to make a safe space for young learners at school, so no one ever has to fear about being their true self in the classroom.
A note on new RSE guidance for schools
It would be wrong not to mention the government’s new RSE guidance , coming into practice on the 1st September 2026. Many LGBTQ+ organisations have dubbed this report 'Section 28 2.0,’ largely for its removal of all references to the word transgender and omission of parts of trans+ lives. This new guidance also restricts schools from using materials that "encourage pupils to question their gender."
For teachers, strict guidance like this can make it seem difficult to support queer students in the classroom, especially those questioning their gender identity. If you remain steadfast in offering your support and serving as a trusted adult for LGBTQ+ students, we see you and we thank you.
Challenge LGBTphobia and gender stereotypes
Rather than just telling kids off for using pejorative and homophobic language, educate them on why it is wrong. This includes pupils using ‘gay’ as an insult. You should also challenge gender stereotypes in your lessons, using queer identities to celebrate diversity and difference. This will create a positive and supportive environment for pupils to develop their own idea of what gender means in the world.
Always show up as an ally
Allyship is one of the biggest keys to an inclusive environment, so be as loud and proud as you can! Wearing a rainbow lanyard or LGBTQ+ badge , or hanging a Pride flag in your classroom, will let kids know they can confide in you if they need. If you feel comfortable (and you don’t have one already), set up and manage a pupil-led LGBTQ+ group. This lifeline can be vital for queer and questioning young students.
Avoid assumptions and respect pronouns
Try not to make assumptions about heterosexuality within your classroom. If you know someone is part of the LGBTQ+ community, try and also detach the label that they’re an ‘issue’ within the school. The same goes for pronouns and anyone managing social transition at school — it’s always better to ask than guess. If you make a mistake, just apologise and make a conscious effort to get it right next time. Our pocket guide to LGBTQIA identities can educate you on all the different queer identities out there.
Use gender-neutral language
Using gender-neutral language can make a world of difference to transgender or non-binary pupils, especially when addressing people whose pronouns you don’t know.
Swap ‘boys and girls’ with ‘everyone’
Use descriptive language like ‘the person with the red bow’ if you don’t know their name or pronouns
Practice! You’ll soon get the hang of it
Understand school legislation and expand your curriculum
Every time the government updates its guidance, make sure you understand exactly what it means. On a more local level, consider how you can fight to make school policies more LGBTQ+ inclusive, for example, rules around anti-bullying and uniforms. When planning your lessons, try and make your curriculum more inclusive of queer identities, especially when highlighting role models, books, and examples to supplement your teaching plan.
Further Reading
- A Toolkit For Preventing And Tackling Homophobic, Biphobic And Transphobic Bullying In Secondary Schools
Best Practice For Protecting LGBTQ+ Children And Young People
Tilly Brogan
Tilly is a queer Freelance Copywriter based in Manchester. She balances her time between working with LGBTQ+ organisations and women’s rights charities - and people watching in various Manchester cafes. She is also a proud lesbian. You can read more of her work here.
