Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Challenging Homophobia Together campaign for schools was launched at LGBT Youth Scotland’s conference on 5 February 2009. Over 180 professionals working with young people in schools attended the first ever Scottish conference to focus on homophobia and homophobic bullying in schools.

The day focused on real life stories about experiencing or dealing with homophobia and on raising awareness of the new teaching resource Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools. Delegates attended workshops to develop skills and strategies in challenging homophobia and promoting equality with young people, and shared ideas and practice during an interactive Forum Theatre performance by LGBT Youth Scotland’s youth theatre project.  

Feedback from the day 

Truly inspiring comments from Challenging Homophobia Together conference delegates included:

'I now have the confidence to go back to my school and talk openly about the issues surrounding homophobic bullying.'

'I can't wait for the next conference! This is by far the best conference I have ever attended.'

'I am taking away the strong feeling that I want to get more involved to help young people and to put a stop to homophobia!'

Fergus McMillan, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, said: 'The enthusiasm and commitment of those attending the conference exceeded all of our expectations - it truly was a landmark day. However, this is just the start. We urge you to get involved in the Challenging Homophobia Together campaign and help to make a difference to young people’s lives.'

Campaign aims

Over the next three years, Challenging Homophobia Together aims to:

• raise awareness of the effects of homophobia and homophobic bullying in Scottish schools
• encourage pupils to support their peers and challenge homophobia
• provide young people with positive messages about LGBT issues and anti-homophobia 
• equip staff in schools with the knowledge, skills, resources and confidence required to challenge homophobia and to support LGBT young people. 

In the words of one teacher attending the conference: 'We've got a lot of work to do in schools and it starts here today.'

Get involved in the Challenging Homophobia Together campaign and/or sign up for the online forums.

Download the toolkit for teachers: Dealing with Homophobia and Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Schools from the Learning and Teaching Scotland website.