Majority of Teachers Have Trans Pupils and Want More Guidance on How to Support Them, Research Suggests
The majority (55%) of teachers in England have at least one pupil who has come out as transgender and 78% say they would like more help with how to support them, new independent research by charity Just Like Us has found.
Nine in 10 (87%) secondary school teachers and one in four (23%) primary school teachers have at least one pupil who has come out as transgender, the new survey of 6,394 teachers by Just Like Us – the LGBT+ young people’s charity – has found.
Eight in 10 (78%) teachers, including 80% of secondary school teachers and 77% of primary school teachers, say they would like more help and guidance in supporting their transgender pupils.
The independent research of 6,394 primary and secondary school teachers across England was commissioned by Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, which provides free educational resources, training and helps secondary schools set up Pride Groups so LGBT+ and ally pupils can get support.
Dominic Arnall, Chief Executive of Just Like Us (the LGBT+ young people’s charity), says: "Trans young people across the country are in schools with teachers who are crying out for the right resources to support them.
“While we understand some might feel nervous about this there is really no reason to be. You don’t need to be an expert in gender to support trans young people. Just Like Us is here to help schools become more LGBT+ inclusive and may be able to help, and there are a range of trans-led organisations that are also on hand to provide advice and guidance.
“With a small but vocal minority of anti-trans individuals, it’s often a tough and terrifying time for young people growing up trans, so it’s very encouraging to see that the majority of their teachers want to support their pupils to be themselves and feel safe while learning, and we will do everything we can to help them with that journey.”
Music teacher Jack Stote who has celebrated trans inclusion at his school using Just Like Us’ resources says: "I have seen a willingness to learn and understand amongst colleagues, but I've also seen colleagues who might be embarrassed and not know what to do. My main bit of advice is: it's OK not to know and it's OK to ask.
"Teachers are more likely to be aware where a pupil has come out as a transgender because they are directly teaching the pupil concerned, whereas headteachers may become aware if there is an associated issue, such as that pupil experiencing bullying.”
Teachers can get help and guidance with supporting their trans pupils at www.justlikeus.org.
Isaac, a 22-year-old trans man who is also a Just Like Us ambassador, says: “I’m a trans man who went to a girl's school. Of course I worried that if I asked to be recognised as male, I wouldn't be able to attend that school anymore, but even more urgent was the fear that my parents would find out. Teachers had no idea why, despite having the academic capability, I never turned in homework or engaged enough with my subjects. It was because I was unable to be myself at school, and I was struggling so much at home.
“I think the main obstacle to providing that support for trans young people is hesitance, for fear of getting it wrong. But I feel so much better when I know that a teacher is trying, even if they get it wrong sometimes than if they don't want to try at all. It sets an example for the young peers of trans pupils as future allies. So this news makes me feel incredibly hopeful for the future.”
