Although it’s been many years since Chris in my S1 Maths class called me a “weirdo lesbian,” life can still be a nightmare for LGBTI+ school pupils.Īt least this is what findings by Time For Inclusive Education (TIE), an advocacy group instrumental in bringing about the recent changes to Scottish education, would suggest. Moreover, the government’s decision was also a vital move to target the very real problem of LGBTI+ discrimination in schools. Finally, queer kids will be growing up within an education system that centres their experience, rather than perpetuates their marginalisation. Perhaps this is why I felt so overwhelmed in November when I learned that Scotland would be the first country in the world to introduce LGBTI+ education in schools, covering history and identity, while also making a concerted effort to combat homophobia and transphobia. It was only later, when I was older and in contact with queer people and spaces, that I was able to learn about LGBTI+ history and the achievements of the community to which I now proudly belong.

While I knew I was into girls, it also felt like something I could never be open about - at least until my days of polyester school shirts were finally behind me.