FOYLE FRIEND SCHOOL SURVEY
THE RELAVENCE OF SEX EDUCATION AT SCHOOL
100% of the girls and 80.6% of the boys said they received some sex education at school however when asked if that education included education about homosexuality the results were
7
out of 40 (17.5%) boys had been taught about homosexuality
3
out of 16 (18.8%) girls had been taught about homosexuality
What they were taught about homosexuality
L4 - "We weren’t taught as much as being told to be gay/lesbian/bisexual was wrong. So they didn’t actually include it in sex education because, as far as the teachers were concerned we didn’t need to know about it as it should never happen anyway."
L6 - "We were kind of taught about same sex attraction through learning about HIV & AIDS. It was as if only gay people had it - IGNORANT TEACHING"
G2 - "[It was useful because] I wanted to know about it. It was my only source of information.
G5 - "That it was wrong."
G20 "Yes. I can’t remember but our teacher was gay so I think it was very clear that it was O.K. to be gay. But again I wasn’t a great listener in class. [It was useful] because at the time I felt attracted to the same sex so anything that I heard positive about being gay I was interested."
G21 "Basic biological stuff with little emotional/psychological changes. Useful information of contraception."
G28 -"that it was a passing fad and eveeryone or some experienced it at some time or another during puberty but it usually passes. For those who continue to live such a 'lifestyle' will realise sooner or later and still fancy or be attracted to the opposite sex! (Yeah! Right!)"
F1 - "Only in debating. That it could be genetic or whatever tendency can be determined by the environment you live in."
M7 - "[name of teacher] taught us very badly about Catholic procreation with badly illustrated diagrams. [N.B. M7 seems to be referring to heterosexual sex here]"
M8 - "Only really formally learnt about the mechanics of gay sex although also, by your informal relationship with the class, gained an insight that ‘gay romance’ was very probably analogous to heterosexual. You sort of ‘skew the curve’ here and if I was to confine my answers to didactic teaching then there’d be a lot less to say. I think the impact points are getting to see homosexuals as people just like heterosexuals who happen to have a different orientation and also getting an appreciation of the extent of lesbian, gay and bisexual persecution/discrimination. [It was useful because it] Felt important in so far that it was a real phenomenon causing terrible problems for people who could be in our midst - can’t think, however, that we were ever directed how to handle such problems should they happen to us (except approaching sympathetic listeners that are themselves already ‘out’)"
Other comments
G22 – "[There was] very little [sex education]. There was only one class on ‘the birds and the bees’ and I was off school that day."
G26 – "[All we got was] a page from a science book. The teacher skirted over reproduction."
M9 - "[We were taught] just boring things in biology class! About learning the functions of the body and stuff I had no interest in (I got a double U in science!)"
Why the sex education they received was not useful to them as gay people
L6 - "I wasn't near ready to come out so I didn't find it useful."
G5 - "It was not truthful enough."
G6 - "The 'norm' was the accepted 'right'."
G7 - "As I got very limited ‘reproduction education’ that did not deal with how I felt I considered it useless. It just reinforced that how I felt for girls was wrong and I didn’t exist. I felt alone, ashamed and this didn’t help my self-esteem or self-confidence."
G12 - "Sex education at our school was very minimal."
G14 - "Because straight safe sex wasn't relevant to a gay person."
G15 - "There was no gay sex education."
G18 – "Sex education was a 30 minute talk about reproduction between a woman and a man."
G21 – "Already knew the basics. Contraception stuff was good."
Respondents Views about How Homosexuality is Dealt with in Our Schools
All respondents were asked if they felt that issues around homosexuality could be better dealt with at school only one person, G11 said no, 2 did not answer so 55 out of 58 said yes.
These are the responses of the young people when asked how it could be better dealt with. Particularly interesting responses are highlighted'
L1 - "Young teenagers should be told about all aspects of their sexuality and not just what the teachers feel they should know. Most teens learn more about homosexuality on television and other media than at school. The schools should make it an essential part of sex education to let teenagers know more about the issue; that it does exist and to stop covering up the subject like they always have."
L2 - "Bringing it up at all
would be a great way to begin. Information regarding
drop-ins, people you can talk to, meeting places, etc. should be
made available. They should sack the whole Catholic burden
and guilt thing and 'teach' caring, understanding and, perhaps,
tolerance instead. They should encourage openness about
emerging sexual feelings and dispel stereotyped images."
L3 - "I think it is not an issue of improving but starting. At school the only talk of homosexuality was between pupils and then it was derogatory comments stemming from fear and pure ignorance. Sex education is all fine and dandy but it is taken too lightly by education boards and, as for the pupils, they think it is all laughable. I would welcome the introduction of proper detailed informative sex education programmes as I believe that the majority of the heterosexual community are homophobic due to sheer ignorance; something which, in this day and age, is totally unacceptable."
L4 - "As far as my old school
is concerned they need to come out of the stone-age and realise
that there are lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the world and
in their classrooms. Students should be informed of all the
areas of sex and sexuality according to reality not to the gospel
of Matthew or Mark or whoever. Teachers should be aware of
how school life can shape and affect teenagers’ growth and
development. If gay issues are being avoided not only does
this affect any potential L.G.B. students but it affects
the way straight people react to L.G.B. people, not just in
school but in the outside world. This may add to homophobia
and start the whole vicious circle off again."
L5 - "The school would firstly have to ACKNOWLEDGE that lesbian, gay and bisexual people do exist.
The subject should be carefully introduced in the first sex education video.
On senior year notice boards lesbian, gay and bisexual organisations/contact numbers should be made available.
Midway through secondary school life, a further sex education class should be given covering all aspects of teenage development. This should involve all the various sexual relationships, including straight as well as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual.
On AIDS Awareness Day, a member of a Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual organisation and a straight teacher/school representative should all give their views on safer sexual practices which would obviously help increase awareness in the school that same sexed relationships are part of life but need safety precautions, just like heterosexual couples."
L6 - "It should be talked about more openly now as there are teachers who are gay or bisexual and there were two teachers at my school but no one ever had proof but gay people know or kind of sense it."
L7 - "It could be included in sex education and also talked about in a personal awareness class. Make the discussion a safe environment; bring in guest speakers - people who are gay and young. It should not be ignored, it should be taught about and talked about in a positive way. It is hidden and this further hides the hiders. I think to reinforce that lesbian, gay and bisexual people have not two heads or always talk about sex. Gay people should be invited in to talk about homophobia and their experiences. I know this is asking a bit much (well others will think so) but it is necessary. Also the lesbian, gay and bisexual help-line number/poster should be displayed, even if just in the sixth form study."
L8 – "Teachers should talk more openly about these issues and explain that it is not abnormal or wrong but just different."
L9 – "I would have liked someone to talk about it and teachers etc. should be made more aware that it’s there and it should be made aware to other pupils so it’s made a part of everyday life so when they get into the real world it's not such a big thing."
L10 -"To mention it at all
would be a start. Supply supportive info with real facts
and 'need to know' stuff. Have lesbians come to the schools
to talk about their experiences and take questions and give
answers. Image is very important for both sexes. I
think it would be a good idea to not have stereotyped gay women
and men (no offence to dykes and queens), but I think at that age
being told by a queen or a big scary dyke "Everything's
going to be alright" isn't alright. I must stress I
mean no offence at all. Have gay literature in the library;
educational love stories, series, comedy etc. As wide as
the hetero library."
L11 "Maybe schoolchildren could be informed directly that homosexuals aren't villainous fiends, social misfits, etc. They should be educated in such a way as to combat homophobia by informing them that homosexual feelings are not forced but natural. Not evil but natural. This evasive silence should be broken so homophobia can be directly dealt with."
G1 - "Tell the pupils that gay people don't go round shagging everything with a dick and we don't go after children. Only 1 in 100 do that kind of stuff."
G2 - "Remove homophobic
teachers. Less evangelical religious education. More
and better emotional support for pupils from teachers."
G3 - "Be more open, more honest, less taboos."
G4 - "For a start, sex
education in general. I was never taught anything at all
about sex. Teachers should be made to take sex education
courses. Also courses on treating, talking to and, if need
be, counselling gay pupils. I still believe the younger the
age-group, the more they will pick it up and move on. If
they taught that gay sex is as beautiful and loving as other
relationships, it will be no big deal to them.
G5 - " I think the principal should recognise homophobic bullying."
G6 - "There should be full
information given on all aspects of sexuality. There should
be a sympathetic ear from teachers and principals. There
should be an open attitude at school. The school should
stop catering for 'heteros' and realise that
homosexuality/lesbianism exists and does evolve and manifest
itself in secondary school."
G7 - "In every way possible. Recognition of homosexuality; discussion in R.E. or biology classes; opposition to & awareness of anti-gay bullying."
G8 - "More social acceptance would have been welcome. I went to a Catholic school up to GCSE's and nothing of that nature was ever discussed. Of course we all knew it happened and I knew a lot of sexual experimentation was going on and I'm sure it would have been a great deal easier on us if we were reassured that this was acceptable and understandable. We were taught about sex and how it happened but nothing of any homosexual nature was brought up. I do remember though in English class once, I think around the 5th form, we had a discussion about gays and the teacher was very persistent on telling the class that prejudice against gays was wrong. That was a very isolated incident though."
G9 - "By acknowledging the fact that homosexuality exists for a start. No one ever uttered that word to me while at school, unless they were trying to hurt me. Homosexuality was swept under the carpet, which left young gay people feeling as if they were the lowliest of the low. Too horrible to even mention. If a teacher could have asked students about issues like this, even the discussion may have helped people like me feel, at least acceptable. The sex education at the Catholic School I attended was minimal, mostly female menstrual stuff. My early adult life could have been easier if someone at school could have been competent enough to realise how hard it is."
G12 "For one thing, I think
that it should be taught that there's nothing wrong with being
gay, lesbian or bisexual, that it's no crime and it's normal.
I think that there should be more advice on gay life to show it's
just as normal as any other minority. There should
definitely be more support at school [for pupils] who think they
are lesbian, gay or bisexual. I know that they are going to
be reluctant but support should be made on offer in the strictest
of confidentiality."
G13 - "Don't make people feel like DIRT. Let people live like they want to. Don't categorise diseases like AIDS as the gay disease."
G14 - "Yes but I think that the teaching needs to be done before secondary education."
G15 - "More education about sexuality in general."
G16 - "More education."
G18 – "Safer sex issues could be discussed. Awareness of lesbians, gays and bisexuals [should be] increased and the mystery around homosexuality removed."
G19 – "It could be improved as it was never talked about whilst I was at school."
G20 – "I just think it could be more informative and not make it out to be a taboo subject. It can be talked about!"
G17 - "Although I was never a victim
of victimisation, it was for the simple fact that I had hid it
for about 5 years. I had to lie about a lot of things which
was very wrong. Things like girlfriends; lie from parents
many a time. At school for me was not the best days of my
life but probably the hardest, which did affect my exams etc. in
everything because I was stressed out with worry etc. Most
of my schooling was unhappy and spent in tears knowing with one
word was why? why? Looking for so many answers. I really
feel for gay people, especially in rural schools in Northern
Ireland who will have to go through what I did. Many go
through [school] when there was no sex education of any sort; it
was never talked about; not at all. If it had have been; if
a teacher had said to me, "If you are gay, talk to me."
or given us information, support, helpline etc. it would have
helped so much."
G22 – "More information, especially from teachers."
G23 – "By public education beginning at school and removing unnecessary guilt and victimisation and bullying. Firstly there should be teacher training in such matters and on bigotry, homophobia etc."
G21 – "Provision of realistic
information. Lots of gay kids are out there. Most are
too afraid and too isolated to find that information themselves.
In fact, most probably don’t know that information exists.
Most importantly they need to know that there are other people
like them. Homophobic comments by teachers and pupils need
to be taken seriously and not tolerated."
G24 – "In sex education involve gay people. Bring gay people in to talk about experiences to classes. Educate counsellors in schools about gay people. Tolerate homoerotic images in art classes."
G25 – "I feel that the government should introduce sex education for both straight and gay students to help them get through adolescence. Teach them the know-how and to respect both sides."
G26 – "Like, perhaps a lot of
people at school, I kept quiet about being gay for my own safety
and have generally carried this through life. School should
be where sexuality is recognised and accepted. It would be
great if all could understand that a boy can be attracted to
another boy and that this is not something to be despised and
prevented. Each school should have a teacher or teachers
who can help with gay issues through education for the whole
school and support for gay pupils. Educational programmes
should encourage study and discussion about sexuality. This
could take many forms. Its aim would be to remove fear and
ignorance."
G28 - "Because I went to an all boys, Catholic Grammar, such feelings were not discussed but, [as] with all things that are ignored, [they] usually breed and are rampant in the underground; behind closed doors. I think awareness of such issues as sexuality should be openly discussed. Derogatory terms should be condemned by teachers who have often played along with the joke and perpetuated it or even referred to it themselves in a derogatory manner. Generally assumptions about sexuality (i.e. that everyone is straight or, if not, freaks or priests) should not be tolerated."
G29 - "Teach pupils that gays and lesbians exist. Give them information to lead safe sex lives! The teachers need more educating. They should care more. Sex education was non-existent."
G30 - "It should and could be talked about so people understand there is another group of people out here who, unlike what the papers say, are not dirty old men or sick perverts who will sleep with young boys and children."
G31 - "Improvement in P.S.E."
OF THE
42 LGB PEOPLE WHO ANSWERED THIS QUESTION:-
32
said there must be more information about homosexuality
12
said that schools should acknowledge and support LGB pupils
8 said
there should be counselling for LGB pupils
6 said
that homophobic bullying from teachers and pupils must be tackled
6 said
that information on sources of help should be available
Heterosexual respondents' views on homosexual sex education
F1 - "We were never actually taught anything about it. It’s still seen as wrong and unaccepted in my school in my opinion. As far as I know anyone who mentioned such a sexual tendency was slagged off - there was a general bad attitude towards it in the lower classes of my secondary school education."
F2 - "We need more information about lesbian, gay and bisexual people."
F3 - "It was something that was never talked about as regards teachers. I think that someone should come in from an organisation to talk to young people to get the right information and know they can get help if needed."
F5 - "It could have been improved by teachers being more open about it and again it should have been taught from 1st year up as the school I came from didn't offer and knowledge around issues around lesbian, gay or bisexual people. Even if the teachers found it difficult to talk about these issues then, in the interests of the pupils it would have been an advantage if they were to ask people from Foyle Friend to come and have a discussion with the pupils about the issues around lesbian, gay and bisexual people."
M2 - "At the end of the day we live
in an ignorant society in which people can't accept others
because of their religion so it will, or may be, harder to accept
homosexuality as it is different from being a straight Protestant
or a straight Catholic and gay men were "softly
spoken"; didn't shower with the lads or play sports and get
dirty. However when you do grow up and realise that there
are people who are gay that were your friends and you never
thought of them as being gay then you begin to accept them for
who they are not what they are. In the end it's about
accepting what society views as being different. So if I
want to run about with my nipple and dick pierced then I will.
I don't want some ignorant twat calling me queer when I'm not, I
just prefer to be myself and I guess that's what isn't being
accepted."
M3- "Could have treated homosexual views/issues to give us a more broad outlook on the situation."
M4 - "Teaching people declines ignorance."
M5 - " Teach us that young people can have these thoughts towards their own gender and that it is not immoral, even though the church condemns it. They could have taught us that we should not hate and discriminate against this class of people as it is morally wrong and we can all live together in harmony."
M6 - "They could mention it for starters."
M7 - "It was never addressed in any way."
M8 - "I would like to see sexuality approached as a continuum. I think that people who feel they might be struggling with lesbian, gay or bisexual problems should be able to seek support/advice from the ‘heterosexual community’ (which is, in effect, where they may possibly feel they are ‘coming from’) I would like to see exploration of the issues surrounding persecution of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. If any of these are to be ‘taken seriously’ they must be incorporated into the curriculum."
M9 - "Yes, but I think that a
lot of teachers and pupils just assumed that the majority of the
school, if not all of it, were heterosexual. I think that
schools should teach kids to be more open-minded towards sexual
issues such as being gay etc. But I know that no-one would
of wanted to hear anything about homosexuality etc. at school.
The school was like a Nazi prison camp! I think that
schools should look out more for kids who are being victimised or
bullied because they're gay, lesbian etc. and take tough action
against the bullies because I think it's totally unfair and
sickening that kids would be bullied because of what they
are."
Heterosexual respondents' views on heterosexual sex education
F1 - "Teachers in our school had a tendency to be embarrassed about sex in general - even in biology. We had a sex education class in 2nd year and all that happened was that we were sent down to the back of the class to read out-dated sex education books in silence. The “any questions” session at the end of that class proved that the teacher was more embarrassed than all of us put together."
F3 - "I never had sex education at school so anything would be an improvement. My school was very conservative."
F5 - "It could have been improved by teachers being more open about it and it should of been taught from 1st year up as the school I came from didn't offer you a great deal of knowledge about heterosexuality."
M2 - "The subject of STD and condoms."
M5 - "Young people are having sex at a far younger age so they lower the age of consent and male contraception is available to these age groups. They should teach them more about sexual relationships at a younger age."
M6 - "Less about the birds and the bees and more real facts."
M7 - "It was never addressed in any way."
M8 - "I think it would be healthy to explore the development of sexuality, its manifestations and how you handle them. Issues are usually confined to contraception and S.T.D. or are often approached in a ‘pop psychology’ fashion that makes it seem not as important as examinable ‘hard science’ material."
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