Jenny Gilruth: We must recommit to LGBT-inclusive education

The Herald Scotland

20-07-2025

As Education Secretary, I see first-hand the transformative power of inclusive education in Scotland's classrooms.
Historically, it is vitally important to remember this was not always the case. Teachers were once forbidden in law from even discussing issues pertaining to the LGBT community in Scotland; the impact and legacy of Section 28 remains an important lesson for those of us who seek to build a more inclusive country.
As we mark ten years since the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign began, we have an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come and the work that still lies ahead.
Back in 2018, Scotland made history by becoming the first country in the world to embed LGBT inclusive education across the entire curriculum. This wasn't about adding separate lessons or treating LGBT issues as an afterthought. Instead, we integrated these discussions naturally into subjects from History to Modern Studies, from Personal and Social [[Education]], to English, Maths and the Sciences. As a result, classrooms are places where all children and young people can see themselves reflected in their learning.
Scotland's young people are growing up in a fundamentally different environment to the one which I experienced at school in the nineties. Then, to be 'gay' was too often connected with negativity, derision and ridicule.
We know that today, bigotry and intolerance still exist – though they may present in different ways. TIE's Digital Discourse Initiative is, therefore, helping to tackle online hate and disinformation to create safer online spaces.
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I've listened to teachers and school pupils discuss the impact of this intervention, which is really crucial in an era where young people's digital experiences can be as formative as their school experiences.
When we teach empathy and respect for difference, we're not just supporting LGBT pupils - we're creating citizens who value diversity and understand that our differences make us stronger.
Ten years ago, TIE challenged us to imagine and deliver for a better future for our LGBT young people. Ten years ago, every single political party in the Scottish Parliament signed up to meet that challenge.
As we mark TIE's tenth anniversary, we must also recommit to ensuring that every young person in Scotland - regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or family structure - can access education that values and includes them.
Inclusive education matters for every child and young person, but it matters for grown-ups too. That includes the committed LGBT teachers working in our classrooms every day.
I pay tribute to those teachers and LGBT staff working in our schools today; to the allies working to make a difference and to the next generation who – I know – will never allow us to return to the dark days of Section 28.