This blog was first published by the British Education Studies Association (BESA) here: https://educationstudies.org.uk/teaching-controversial-topics-acknowledging-the-voices-of-lgbt-pupils-in-schools-with-send-provisions
Description: With the many questions that the UK education system is currently facing regarding education linked to LGBT+ concepts, issues of support regarding LGBT+ pupils’ wellbeing have taken on a new significance. This post offers a certain outlook that is provided on the struggles and barriers faced by LGBT+ pupils with SEND when it comes to being truly seen by those in their school environments. Being seen in this context means having their voice valued and their identity acknowledged by others. In other words, this is about being supported in terms of their mental health and emotional wellbeing in a school climate that is riddled with fears of “controversial topics” which also include LGBT+ concepts.