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, the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights Irrespective of Gender, and Reykjavík City’s Human Rights Policy oblige schools to consider and teach about LGBT+ people and issues. This page has material that will hopefully make that task easier for schools.

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.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 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+ 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.

 

Information and guidelines have also been compiled for schools on non-gender-segregated birthdays and birthday groups.

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

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. There is a need to consider how families are addressed, who is expected on forms, how people are invited to participate in school activities, how families are spoken about in the classroom, etc.

 

Just as with LGBT+ students, it is worth asking yourself: "How do LGBT+ parents and families know they're welcome and can find a supportive environment here?" School staff may have children, parents, siblings, or other family members who are LGBT+, so it's important to ensure LGBT+ friendly language.

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.

 

  • You can apply for LGBT+ education from the Human Rights & Democracy Office, which can be tailored to the needs of each workplace. You can also apply for Rainbow Certification by contacting hinsegin@reykjavik.is. We also provide advice and support on LGBT+ issues.


     
  • The Equality School provides support and advice, as well as education, on equality issues in both Reykjavík City schools and after-school programs. The project director of the Equality School is Kolbrún Hrund Sigurgeirsdóttir: kolbrun.hrund.sigurgeirsdottir@reykjavik.is.


     
  • Samtökin '78 have an agreement with Reykjavík City and provide training to students on LGBT+ issues and people in Reykjavík City schools free of charge. The association also offers counseling for LGBT+ children/people and their immediate family at no cost. You can sign up for education on the website of Samtokin '78


     
  • Samtökin '78 and Tjörnin run an LGBT+ youth center for all young people aged 13 to 18 who identify as LGBT+ or have another connection with LGBT+ issues. The youth center is open every Tuesday evening from 7:30pm to 10pm. The director of the youth center is Hrefna Þórarinsdóttir. The director can be contacted via email at hrefna.thorarinsdottir@rvkfri.is or by phone at 6908904.