Petition launched against Manchester LGBT school proposal

A petition has been launched against proposals for an LGBT school in Manchester.

The move comes after LGBT Youth North West received a grant to to conduct a study into the feasibility of turning The Joyce Layland LGBT Centre into the country’s first LGBT-inclusive school, which would be designed for – but not limited to – vulnerable gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students – find out more here.

The proposal has divided students, teachers and the public, with some saying that the focus should be on creating safe environments for LGBT pupils at mainstream schools.

The Joyce Layland LGBT Centre in Manchester

The petition on change.org calls for current plans to be cancelled and “more effort to be put into making our entire education system inclusive and a positive experience for children from all backgrounds”.

Tara Hewitt, who is transgender, set up the petition and says separating gay and transgender pupils will not solve the problem of discrimination in schools, Manchester Evening News reports.

the 39-year-old said: “There seems to be a general consensus among the LGBT community that segregating young people from mainstream education would damage our equality.

“One of the biggest challenges for transgender people is that many people don’t know anyone who is transgender.

“If you move transgender, gay, lesbian or bisexual pupils away from mainstream education, it will only make discrimination worse.

“Without a doubt, this would be a step backwards. I thought the petition would provide an extra space to discuss what LGBT Youth North West are suggesting.

“I hope it will be used as part of the consultation.”

In her latest column, Attitude’s Paris Lees writes an open letter to Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, where she argues that “the very fact we are discussing the need for a gay and trans-friendly school suggests the education system is failing some of the most vulnerable children trusted into its care.” – read her letter in full here.

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