Ei-iE

In recent years, the UK has made meaningful progress on LGBTQ+ rights, with improvements in both legal protections and public attitudes. However, this progress is now under threat. Around the world, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation are growing—and the UK is not immune. The recent Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally recognised as women under the Equality Act marks a major step backwards.

The shifting landscape

While official statistics from the UK Government show a slight drop in reported hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people, the reality is more concerning. The overall level remains significantly higher than before the pandemic. Trans people in particular continue to face nearly double the number of hate crimes compared to four years ago, with over a fifth of all hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people involving violence. Across the UK, LGBTQ+ individuals are reporting increased anxiety and concern for their safety and dignity.

For many teachers, today’s climate brings back troubling memories. Section 28 of the UK’s Local Government Act, introduced in 1988, banned the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools and left LGBTQ+ teachers afraid to come out. Even after its repeal in 2003, the fear it fostered continued to influence school cultures for years.

Since then, hugely positive steps have been made with initiatives like LGBTQ+ History Month and inclusive curriculum reforms which have helped foster safer environments for pupils and staff alike. When I was at school, I remember a teacher telling me he skipped over the sexuality of historical figures, unsure whether discussing them was allowed. Today, more schools are teaching the full richness of our shared history.

However, in recent years, we’ve seen a worrying resurgence in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment—particularly targeting trans and non-binary people. Much of this mirrors the language once used under Section 28: discussion of gender identity is now being misrepresented as “perverse” or a form of indoctrination. Events like Drag Queen Story Hour, intended to promote literacy and celebrate diversity, are now framed by some media outlets as dangerous or inappropriate.

This climate is affecting lesbian, gay and bi teachers too. Recently, I was assisting one NASUWT member who asked if his school would support him being open about his same-sex partner. The response from leadership was deeply disappointing—asking him to think of the importance of the school’s Christian ethos and cautioning him against indoctrination. Once again, the language of 1988 is echoing in 2025.

Abuse in the workplace

Recent polling of members at NASUWT confirms the scale of the problem:

• 52% of LGBTQ+ teachers report experiencing discrimination or abuse from pupils or parents.
• 26% say that abuse has worsened over the past three years.
• Only 14% report their school offers LGBTQ+ equalities training to senior leaders, and just 7% say this extends to governors ^[1].
• A mere 33% say their school has a zero-tolerance policy on biphobia, homophobia, or transphobia.

It’s clear that many schools are not doing enough to create safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ staff and students.

The fallout from the Supreme Court ruling

The recent ruling has left many trans individuals feeling exposed. Some have been told by their employers that they can no longer use the toilets they’ve safely used for years. This risks forcing people to out themselves—or to use accessible toilets needed by disabled colleagues, which many trans people already see as not provided for sufficiently.

Many schools that have previously supported trans and non-binary pupils now find themselves without clear guidance. The interim guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission risks making the situation worse, seemingly suggesting organisations must quickly implement single biological sex spaces, without any guidance on how to protect or provide for trans people.

What can we do

It is deeply concerning that this ruling may lead to damaging policies in schools and workplaces, putting trans and non-binary staff and students at greater risk. UK law still fails to recognise non-binary people, leaving a significant gap in protection and awareness.

In response, we at the NASUWT are taking clear steps:

• Campaigning for change: We are pushing for strengthened legal protections under the Equality Act, including formal recognition of non-binary identities.
• Supporting members: We are training LGBTQ+ mentors to assist members facing discrimination.
• Raising awareness: We are running training and webinars to help members and schools understand the issues—and act on them.

We know these attacks are part of a broader rise in far-right politics. Research by the TUC has shown that a significant number of trade union members are supporting populist parties like Reform UK—many of which promote anti-LGBTQ+ narratives.

At NASUWT, we are committed to countering these threats through education and activism. We are engaging our own members about the risks posed by far-right ideology—not just to LGBTQ+ rights, but also in areas like racism and misogyny. We are also working closely with groups like Stand Up to Racism, joining rallies and public events, and campaigning for equality across the UK.

History shows that when we stand together, we win. Trade unions have always played a vital role in advancing equality, and today that mission is more urgent than ever.

As we mark IDAHOBIT—the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia—we reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive, respectful schools, workplaces and societies. When the far right targets marginalised groups, all workers are put at risk.

At NASUWT, we are proud to be part of the global movement for justice. We will continue to resist hate, support LGBTQ+ workers, and campaign for equality—because no one should have to choose between who they are and being safe in school or at work.

Together, in solidarity, we can create a world of work that respects and protects everyone.