Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Feminism: chat

Original poster

New Supporting transgender young people in schools: guidance for Scottish schools

33 replies

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 12/08/2021 17:11

www.gov.scot/publications/supporting-transgender-young-people-schools-guidance-scottish-schools/

I've not read it closely but some sections look slightly promising eg:

Recognise that some transgender young people may not be comfortable using a single sex toilet or changing room that matches their gender identity. In which case providing a gender-neutral space or accessible toilet can be the best alternative.

If a young person raises a concern regarding sharing facilities with a transgender young person and it is established that they will experience disadvantage as a result, then the school should seek to respect the rights of all. To do this the school should seek to come to an arrangement, to accommodate everyone involved, after discussion and consideration of options available.

Specific considerations will be required for residential trips, as young people are in closer quarters than usual. Talking about respect for boundaries, privacy and shared living space will help all young people, including transgender young people. For certain residential accommodation it is possible under exceptions provided by the Equality Act[56] to treat a transgender young person differently in the provision of single-sex communal accommodation if this is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim[57]. This means that schools are not required to place a transgender young person in a dormitory that aligns with their gender identity if this treatment of them is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. This will require careful consideration[58].

Hmm, spoke too soon...

National Child protection guidelines[62] require agencies and professionals, including teachers to follow particular procedures for confidentiality and information sharing. But, being transgender is not a child protection issue in itself

A transgender young person may not have told their family about their gender identity. Inadvertent disclosure could cause needless stress for the young person or could put them at risk and breach legal requirements. Therefore, it is best to not share information with parents or carers without considering and respecting the young person's views and rights[66].

[Infographic with 57% transgender children attempt suicide if unsupportive parents]

Recommends Mermaids

OP posts:
JellySlice · 12/08/2021 20:08

^being transgender is not a child protection issue in itself

A transgender young person may not have told their family about their gender identity. Inadvertent disclosure could cause needless stress for the young person or could put them at risk and breach legal requirements. Therefore, it is best to not share information with parents or carers without considering and respecting the young person's views and rights[66].^

Keeping secrets about a child is a safeguarding risk.

ArabellaScott · 12/08/2021 19:56
Confused

Glad there is a nod towards considering the rights of everyone, at least. But not good to hear about the 'affirmation only' approach. I wonder if this will change only when the ScotGov adjusts its policy?

rogdmum · 12/08/2021 19:52

Telegraph has covered it:

archive.ph/9HpEe

Cabinfever10 · 12/08/2021 19:51

So as shirley-ann Somerville is the new education officer should I be sending my Complaints and criticism of this new mess

rogdmum · 12/08/2021 19:31

It’s awful. It’s full on affirmation only for gender distressed children. Parents who might wish to take a more cautious approach are treated as though they need educating and there is no mention of situations where mental health experts have advised against affirming. It’s one sided lobby group speak. ScotGov refused to engage with any groups outside their usual contacts.

At least time they seem to admit that they don’t know if it’s lawful or not:

“It is for education authorities and managers of grant-aided and independent schools to take their own legal advice on such matters, as appropriate.”

So angry. Not unexpectedly but still so angry

Original poster
ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 12/08/2021 17:59

They seem to have grudgingly stated the law correctly (?) but are heavily pushing "being kind"

OP posts:
Undersnatch · 12/08/2021 17:42

Hi yes I’ve just had a skim and noticed the very biased list of helpful agencies listed. I think there were definitely some important nods to respecting the concerns of those worried about the rights of women and girls in relation to trans inclusion. However the selling of gender identity theory as fact and the list of resources for making transgender people more visible is a bit of a worry. I feel conflicted. I want young people with genuine, persistent gender dysphoria to get the support they need and to know that there are people like them. But I don’t want my children being taught as fact that everyone has a gender identity.