UK: 95% of young people not taught about LGBT relationships, study finds

A survey of 16-25 year olds has found that almost none have been taught about LGBT relationships.

According to research by sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, 95% of young people have never learned about LGBT sex and relationships (SRE). Meanwhile 97% believe it’s wrong to exclude LGBT-inclusive SRE from schools.

It also found 75% of all young people do not recall being taught about consent.

The survey of more 1,035 young people – from state, independent, grammar and free schools – found one in seven had received no SRE of any type, while six in ten had just one lesson in the matter. Teaching SRE became statutory in all schools earlier this year, but it’s not yet clear whether it will be LGBT-inclusive.

Nick Gibb, Minister for Equalities, told PinkNews that although the law doesn’t go into specifics about the subject’s content, he would argue for LGBT issues to be on the curriculum. The government is due to hold a consultation on the shape of compulsory SRE in 2018.

Terrence Higgins Trust, Mencap and Young Minds hosted a discussion in parliament to highlight the need for people to speak out on the issue. Read more via Pink News