LGBT+ children and schools

A young man in colorful clothes holding a pride flag.

There are LGBT+ children in all schools and they are a diverse group, just like other children. However, LGBT+ children have in common the fact that they are outside the so-called norm in terms of sexual orientation, gender expression, sex characteristics, and/or gender identity. 

The National Curriculum, gender equality legislation, and Reykjavík City’s Human Rights Policy require schools to consider and teach about LGBT+ people and issues. This page has material that will hopefully make that task easier for schools.

LGBT+ friendly schools

Schools that want to be LGBT+ friendly can use the checklist below, which is divided into three sections: students, teachers, and the school. 

 

All schools can benefit from the checklist regardless of school level, but some aspects are more relevant to older children than younger ones and vice versa. 

 

Info and instructions have also been compiled for schools that prefer to organize birthday celebrations and birthday groups without defaulting to traditional gender divisions.

Checklist for schools to become LGBT+-friendly Checklist for schools to become trans-inclusive Guidelines for schools about birthday groups
Illustration of two grandfathers with a grandchild.

LGBT+ youth center

Tjörnin's LGBT+ youth center is for all young people in grades 8 to 10 who identify as LGBT+ or have another connection with LGBT+ issues. The youth center is located at Spennistöðin by Austurbæjarskóli and is open every Tuesday evening from 7:30pm to 10pm. Social activities are also available for 10 to 12 year old LGBT+ children and children who have another connection with LGBT+ issues. The director of the youth center is Hrefna Þórarinsdóttir. You can contact Hrefna via email → hrefna.thorarinsdottir@rvkfri.ishrefna.thorarinsdottir@rvkfri.is or phone at 6908904.

Samtökin '78 also have a group for LGBT+ youth aged 16 and over in their premises. You can get more information from Hrefna or → samtokin78.is/Samtökin '78.

LGBT+ education material

Here is a list of LGBT+ education material including books, articles, videos, and more, covering LGBT+ issues, including transgender child and adult issues. Each item has a brief description of the content as well as its language, as well as who it might be appropriate for. When using material for children, it is good to use it as a starting point for discussions.

You can also check out the 2021 Gender and LGBT+ Education Material Report, which groups content by school level.

LGBT+ families

It is important to understand that parents, guardians, and student families may be LGBT+. A number of factors need to be considered to ensure that LGBT+ families are included and feel welcomed and expected, and also so that students do not experience exclusion or divergence for having a LGBT+ family. It’s important to consider how families are addressed, whose perspectives are assumed on forms, how they are invited to participate in schooling, and how families are spoken of in the classroom, etc. 

 

Just as with LGBT+ students, it is worth asking: "How do LGBT+ parents and families know they are welcome and that this is a supportive environment?" Staff members may also have children, parents, siblings, or other family members who are LGBT+, which is why maintaining LGBT+ friendly language is so important.

An illustration of two women, one seated in a wheelchair, holding a child.

Well-being of LGBT+ children and youth

We live in a society where heterosexuality and cisgender (not being trans) are the norms. Therefore, LGBT+ people are at greater risk of exclusion, discrimination, prejudice, bullying, and other forms of violence.

 

This manifests itself widely and not least within the school system, where children spend a large amount of time and are heavily influenced, which is confirmed by a survey of the way LGBT+ youth feel in the Icelandic school environment.

More about the well-being of LGBT+ children and young people

The well-being and circumstances of LGBT+ children and youth in schools

Icelandic and foreign research shows that LGBT+ students often feel worse in schools than others, and that teaching methods, teaching materials, and the discourse are often exclusionary and even degrading towards LGBT+ people. It often seems that silence and embarrassment prevail around queerness, and children often hear LGBT+ terms used in negative terms before learning what the terms really mean.

 

A recent survey of the experience of LGBT+ youth in Icelandic schools showed the significant positive influence supportive teachers and diverse teaching materials and discussions (based on LGBT+ issues) can have. 

More about the well-being and status of LGBT+ children in schools

More information, education, and advice

 

The following parties can offer consultation, various LGBT+ education, and advice.