Scotland made history again after it became the first country to make LGBTQIA+ education mandatory in classrooms.
Beginning the week of September 20th, school staff were granted access to a toolkit of LGBTQIA+ educational materials. They will also be asked to complete an online general awareness program.
The topics will now be formally addressed, as well as incorporated into daily teaching when feasible.
A fundamental awareness e-learning course on LGBT will be provided to all school faculties and a bundle of LGBT inclusive education teaching resources.
A separate website with materials for young people’s support will also be launched.
Also, read: In Pictures: Intercontinental, Interfaith Marriage Of Two Beautiful Brides Who Held Pride High
LGBT identification, challenges, and history will now be included in subjects for all age groups, to promote equality, decrease bullying, and enhance the educational opportunities of LGBT children and youth.
There will also be anti-discrimination exercises, which should help to reduce bullying.
Scotland has additionally taken efforts to better accommodate LGBTQ+ students. The Scottish government issued guidelines in August, pushing schools to adopt gender-neutral dress rules and to allow trans individuals to use their preferred names, pronouns, and restrooms. The suggestions were not obligatory.
This is not the first time Scotland has made headlines. They were also the first country to give away period products for free in October 2020.