11 Young, gay and ignored
Resolution submitted by the RCN Hampstead Branch
That this meeting of RCN Congress urges RCN Council to develop and promote best practice to combat the barriers to health and homophobic bullying faced by LGBT youth in the UK
Work led by the RCN Membership Representation and Diversity Committee
The debate centred in the rising incidence of homophobia in schools. It also highlighted the isolating prejudices that LGBT young people could experience from a range of individuals and services from whom they seek advice.
Between June and October 2008, the RCN reviewed guidance produced by the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) which includes the specific guidance entitled Preventing and responding to homophobic bullying in schools. The RCN has also examined the Education for all campaign best practice, identified by the Stonewall organisation which aims to tackle homophobic bullying in schools and provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all young people. The RCN has also contacted the Schools Out organisation which works towards equality in education for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. Meanwhile, the RCN School Nurses Forum has provided numerous examples of good practice in supporting young people to understand their sexuality.
To ensure that this issue will remain a long term part of the RCN's thinking and campaigning, the Congress 2008 resolution was included in the RCN's first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality strategy.
The Welsh Assembly Government plans to develop and publish guidelines for schools on tackling homophobic bullying, and strongly supports initiatives aimed at increasing equality for youth and adults. In Scotland, Stonewall Scotland is leading a number of Scottish Government funded projects relating to improving the quality of experience, and access to health care and public services, for the LGBT community in general, including a specific guide to health care workers. In 2007, LGBT Youth Scotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health launched a government funded anti-bullying service to provide advice and guidance on developing and implementing anti-bullying policies and initiatives.
RCN Northern Ireland has supported a recent draft DHSSPS sexual orientation strategy and action plan, which seeks to tackle homophobic bullying and enhance support for victims.
The RCN is now preparing a comprehensive online resource to signpost RCN members to sources of support - including the numerous online resources held on the Schools Out website - detailing good practice in this sensitive area. This learning resource will be continually updated to reflect the most current and acknowledged excellence in practice. The RCN is also committed to working closely with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Department of Health to ensure these issues retain a central focus.