Scottish school pupils are being encouraged to wear “pronoun badges” as part of efforts by activist groups to promote transgender awareness in classrooms, sparking debate over the influence of ideology in educational settings.
Teachers in Edinburgh, including at primary schools, are promoting “International Pronouns Day” lessons where pupils learn about the importance of using inclusive language and avoiding assumptions about gender identity based on appearance. Educational materials, developed by the influential SNP government-funded charity LGBT Youth Scotland, introduce an array of pronouns, including “neo-pronouns” like “perself,” “xyr,” “vis,” and “eirself.”
After the lesson, students are encouraged to create name and pronoun badges to share, with badge templates provided by LGBT Youth Scotland that can be worn on school uniforms if desired.
The charity also offers pronoun signs for teachers to display outside classrooms, and hundreds of Scottish schools have signed up for the charity’s charter scheme.
Stephen Kerr, a Tory MSP, has criticized these initiatives, arguing that political activists are spreading harmful and unscientific ideas in schools. He described the celebration of Pronouns Day as part of a broader trend where schools allow ideology to influence education.
“Rather than educate, some of Scotland’s schools are welcoming in political activists to indoctrinate children,” Kerr said. “It needs to stop and those responsible for it need to be held to account.”
Separate teaching materials from the charity include lessons for International Women’s Day, featuring inspiring women like Sarah McBride, a transgender US politician.
This debate over transgender education follows a landmark report by paediatrician Hilary Cass, which raised concerns about the influence of ideology on healthcare for children with gender issues. The report cautioned against affirming a child’s self-declared gender, especially at a young age, due to potential risks associated with medical treatments.
Scottish Government guidelines, influenced by LGBT Youth Scotland, emphasize the importance of affirming a child’s gender identity and support the possibility of coming out as transgender at any age.
International Pronouns Day, introduced by US trans-rights activists in 2018, focuses on raising awareness about pronouns and inclusivity. Lesson plans created by LGBT Youth Scotland include teaching “neo-pronouns” like “xe, xem, and xyr,” and emphasize the potential harm of assuming someone’s gender identity based on appearance.
Edinburgh council, previously funding secondary schools to join LGBT Youth Scotland’s charter scheme, promoted these resources in 2022 but has since ended its funding arrangement.
A spokesperson for the council highlighted their commitment to inclusivity, tolerance, and respect, acknowledging diverse viewpoints within the community.
LGBT Youth Scotland emphasized their mission to create a safe and supportive environment for young LGBTQ+ individuals, aiming to improve their experiences through educational initiatives like the LGBT Charter for Education.