The UK government is drawing up guidance that could see teachers forced to inform parents or guardians of trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming pupils without their consent. While the leaked guidance is expected to have exceptions for children believed to be at risk of “significant harm,” the proposed policies have raised concerns that trans children could be outed to transphobic parents, leaving them at risk of abuse at home. Some students may face indifference or denial from their caregivers, while others could end up homeless or subjected to psychological, physical, and emotional abuse. These policies are also expected to increase transphobia and fear of being part of the LGBTQ+ community, making students feel unsafe in school.
Teachers in England could be forced to use “triggers” such as different names, pronouns, or gendered elements of their uniform or clothes to determine if a child is exploring their gender without their parents’ knowledge. However, this could be easily misinterpreted by teachers, resulting in cisgender pupils reported to their parents for merely changing their fashion sense. The proposed guidance is drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ groups who argue that the badly thought-out guidelines will put young people at risk.
The government claims that the proposed guidelines aim to outline rules about when schools “must inform parents about their children questioning their gender.” Conservative and Labour party leaders share anti-trans views, with education secretary Gillian Keegan and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch working on the document, which is slated to be published this summer and apply to all state and independent schools in England. However, Labour leader Keir Starmer received backlash for appearing to back outing trans children to their parents.
The proposed guidance also suggests that schools will be given legal protection if they wish to reject a trans pupil from joining a single-sex school or bar trans girls from participating in contact and competitive sports on female teams. All trans pupils would be banned from using changing rooms and shower facilities that match their gender identity. LGBTQ+ children and young people deserve the same opportunity to thrive as any other child, and it is crucial that schools are respectful and supportive of them. However, the proposed guidelines could fuel another cynical attempt to stoke a politically motivated “culture war,” putting trans people’s safety and dignity at risk.
The leaked guidance is reminiscent of Section 28 and the constraints that legislation placed on both teachers and pupils. The guidance would not safeguard children; it would do the opposite by increasing transphobia, fear, and the risk of abuse. The proposed policies have already caused stress and sleepless nights for trans students, leaving them feeling alienated and isolated. The proposed guidelines have raised significant concerns about safeguarding trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming pupils in schools.