Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic Bullying and LGBT Inclusion in English Schools

Research matters. Research on the challenges and affordances of what it means to address HBT bullying as part of building LGBT inclusive schools matters a great deal. Drawing from a unique data set of quantitative and qualitative data from over 850 primary and secondary schools, each chapter progressively illustrates that schools must be supported to go way beyond having an HBT anti-bullying policy or setting up an LGBT youth group, or delivering a one-off drop down themed Pride Day. Embedding and enacting policies and practices, and normalising LGBT+ inclusivity is what will bring about change, and not just for LGBT+ students but for all young people. This ground-breaking book is replete with case studies and testimonies from staff and students, in ways that brings the survey data to life, and in ways that every school in England can learn lessons from. It’s an accessible and timely go-to text as LGBT+ inclusivity gains more prominence in England’s statutory Relationships and Sex Education guidance, and provides a vital research benchmark for future work in this area.

– Professor EJ Renold, Cardiff University, Wales

While plenty of researchers speculate about what causes bullying related to LGBT+ young people, this important book is data driven, using a large-scale study to develop understanding of bullying in English schools. Novel findings include - identifying a preference among educators for addressing bullying, versus efforts at LGBT+ inclusion; gaps between what adults deemed acceptable versus students’ expectations; recognition that bullying doesn’t only impact LGBT+ pupils; and, identifying methodological issues related to prevalence of bullying - key to debates about how bullying is constituted in academic research and LGBT+ activism. It’s a must read for researchers, policy makers and educators working to support LGBT+ students.

– Professor Mary Lou Rasmussen, Australian National University, AustraliaThis book is incredibly important as it documents the largest-scale study of HBT bullying and LGBT inclusion in English schools to date. It provides an invaluable picture of school-based HBT bullying and strengthens the evidence for HBT prevention and LGBT inclusion. These insights make for essential reading for anyone committed to creating a whole school environment where LGBT+ students and teachers can thrive and not just survive. – Professor Louisa Allen, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Eleanor Formby is Professor of Sociology and Youth Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Martin Culliney is a Senior Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Claire Wolstenholme is a Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Bernadette Stiell was, until 2024, a Senior Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.