ABSTRACT
To learn about homosexualities would be helpful. What is masturbation on the feminine side? To understand what it is like when going through (and having) sexual intercourse would be information. To explore female genitalia deeper would be interesting. What is a period? IN DETAIL
(Anonymous questions in a ‘suggestion box’ on sex education from a boy in Year 9)
Why is it that teaching about sex and sexuality in schools fails to satisfy these young people? What prevents teachers from affirming young gay people’s identity? Why do teachers steer clear of the answering questions like those on the boy’s list? What is the effect of not dealing with these concerns? What issue of equality is at stake here? This chapter addresses these questions by exploring the phenomenon of homophobia in English secondary schools. The aims are: first, to provide some illustrative accounts of how sexuality is imbricated in teaching, learning and extracurricula aspects of schooling; second, to give a brief description of the statutory requirements and guidance to schools in relation to young people, sex and sexuality; third, to suggest some practical strategies for dealing with questions and concerns like those raised above; and, fourth, to suggest how tackling homophobia within schools addresses a deficit in equal rights.
