ABSTRACT
This chapter explores existing and inherent beliefs about gender and sexuality and develops strategies for inclusive practice in relation to equality and diversity. The Equality Act 2010 is a single anti-discriminatory piece of legislation, which makes it illegal to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, marriage and age. Legislation, poverty and the media all have an impact on the social construct of gender. The mechanisms to challenge exclusion on the grounds of gender are harder to navigate without a visible and consistent channel of communication from the private, voluntary and statutory sector to national government and the international community. Stereotypes of specific gender roles for men and women can result in exclusion for men and women, girls and boys if they are not fulfilling that stereotypical role. The chapter considers Thompson's personal, cultural and structural (PCS) model in relation to gender and sexuality.
