Scouts Scotland join Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) in march outside Scottish Parliament
Scouts Scotland, the largest mixed volunteer-led movement for young people in Scotland, today joins members of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) in support of inclusive LGBT education in schools.
Founded in June 2015, TIE has one very simple aim: to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through inclusive education. Research by TIE found that:
- 90% of LGBT people have experienced homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at school
- 95% of LGBT people believe that bullying has had long lasting negative effects on them
- 87% of teachers hear homophobic, biphobic or transphobic language at school
- 79% of teachers believe that LGBT inclusive education should be a legislative requirement for schools
Scouts Scotland who offer “fun, challenging and life changing adventures” to almost 40,000 young people in Scotland, today join TIE and the campaign for inclusive education in Scotland.
Speaking to The Scotsman, Scout Network Member Kerry Simpson, 19, said:
“I have always found Scouting to be a very welcoming environment where leaders encouraged us to be ourselves. When I came out in Scouting I was immediately accepted.
“Sadly, not all schools are so welcoming and supportive of LGBT young people. We support the TIE Campaign, which aims to ensure LGBT issues are taught within schools – to help all young people to feel included and respected.”
A TIE spokesman added: “Receiving the support of Scouts Scotland marks a very significant step forward for our campaign.
“That one of the largest youth movement’s in Scotland has wholeheartedly endorsed our calls for LGBT education in schools reaffirms what we already know – that there is wide support across Scotland for the educational experience to be LGBT-inclusive.
“Our ethos of equality and inclusivity aligns with that of Scouts Scotland, and we look forward to working closely together to ensure all LGBT young people are safe and supported at school.”
To support the TIE pledge click here
