But new research from LGBT Youth Scotland shows that just 21 per cent of LGBT+ young people say they see themselves represented in classes outside of focused sexual health or mental health lessons.
The findings are from a survey published that is being billed as the largest piece of research to date focusing on Scottish LGBT+ young people.
This year, 1,279 participants took part in the research, almost doubling previous participant numbers. Over half of participants (56 per cent) were currently enrolled in school.
The survey also found that just 10 per cent of LGBT+ young people rated their experience of school as “good” - down from 11 per cent in 2017. Some 44 per cent said their school experience was “OK” and 46 per cent said it was “bad”.
Experiences of college and university were better than school, with bullying also less of a problem in these settings.
The survey found 58 per cent of bisexual and 70 per cent of gay/lesbian participants reported experiencing homophobic or biphobic bullying at school, but these figures dropped to around 10 per cent for college and university.
The proportion of participants aware of homophobic or biphobic bullying in their school was 83 per cent.
Overall, just under half of participants (48 per cent) said they felt supported in their school, college or university as an LGBT+ person.
The report said: “We asked participants to suggest ways in which they are being helped, or could be helped, to feel supported within education. Suggestions included curricula including lessons on specific LGBTI issues, LGBTI-inclusive facilities being made available, and staff being proactive in acting inclusively and tackling discriminatory behaviour and abuse when they see it.”
Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, said the research was important because it gave voice to LGBT+ young people and their experiences in areas like education. She also said that because the research had been carried out in 2012 and 2017, as well as this year, it was possible to see how things were changing over time.
However, she added that sadly things were “getting worse for LGBT+ young people in Scotland across most areas”.
She said: “It is important that young people feel valued and listened to and are supported to be the best and honest self. Doing so allows them to thrive and survive. However, for too many LGBT+ young people, they experience high levels of bullying, poorer mental health and other inequalities.
“This research shows that we call can take action in our everyday lives to listen to and empower young people. This is particularly true for decision-makers in Holyrood and local authorities across the country who can have a big impact on the lives of young people.”
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