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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

New secondary school has a "Queer Club", would you potentially be concerned about this and what questions or steps would you take?

105 replies

Valdor · 10/07/2024 15:12

Hello everyone,

Leafing through the new school materials I have in preparation for my child to attend in September, I was looking for information on the basketball club (which, to my disappointment, is only a 20-minute session once a week). However, I also found information about a “Queer Club,” which meets for 35 minutes weekly. There were no further details provided about this club, though I have asked the school for some.

Now, I, as I’m sure some of you, have concerns about the way queer and trans ideology has been taught in schools over the past 5-8 years. This includes the celebration, self-diagnosis, transitioning, and medicalisation aspects.

At the same time, I want to clarify that I am completely supportive of same-sex attracted, non-stereotypical children and am entirely opposed to rigid gender norms.

What concerns, if any, would you have about this club? What questions would you be asking the school to ensure it is safe and fit for purpose?

I’m looking for some guidance on how to approach this with the school and to make sure our children are in a supportive and safe environment.

Thank you for your insights!

OP posts:
TheSandgroper · 10/07/2024 15:33

Trawl further through the feminism sub where you have posted. Someone is going through the same thing and there were many helpful points to consider raised.

Who runs this club?
What are their qualifications?
Do you as the parents trust the qualifications?
What are the ages of the kids involved?

I understand Safe schools alliance has material (have I got that right) as does Genspect.

Sorry for my grammar today.

Valdor · 10/07/2024 15:24

Ponderingwindow · 10/07/2024 15:19

At our school it is called the gay-straight alliance club. I have absolutely no concerns. It is a great group of mostly ND teens.

They support one another very well. I’ve heard some of what some of them have dealt with in terms of sexuality. Things like Boys saying they will make a girl stop being a lesbian. I heard that revelation from one teen in my car and the other kids I was driving Instantly were ready to support in a myriad of ways. Having a strong social circle is really useful.

Well indeed - I am not saying the clubs themselves are a problem, but my real concerns lay around how much safeguarding there is, if it aligns with the draft schools guidance on transgender children, how well it aligns with the Cass review and in fact how well it aligns with the ECHR.

Are there support materials that link to LBG alliance? Or is it just Stonewall? Does the club actively push back against gender stereotypes or not? That sort of thing

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 10/07/2024 15:19

At our school it is called the gay-straight alliance club. I have absolutely no concerns. It is a great group of mostly ND teens.

They support one another very well. I’ve heard some of what some of them have dealt with in terms of sexuality. Things like Boys saying they will make a girl stop being a lesbian. I heard that revelation from one teen in my car and the other kids I was driving Instantly were ready to support in a myriad of ways. Having a strong social circle is really useful.

AppleCream · 10/07/2024 15:16

I think many/most secondary schools will have this kind of club - not necessarily called Queer Club, but a voluntary lunchtime club aimed at LGBT students.

whathasitgottodowiththepriceofoliveoil · 10/07/2024 15:12

Ask if it's supervised