LGBT group disappointed at opposition to teaching trans issues in primary schools

BeLonG To chief executive Moninne Griffith: 'We know from research that 12 is the most common age for a young person to know they are LGBT, but I know from talking to teachers and parents all over the country that there are young people as young as six and seven who know they are LGBT.' Picture: Moya Nolan

BeLonG To, the organisation representing LGBT young people, has expressed disappointment at calls from the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) for children not to be taught about transgender issues.

The CPSMA has said teaching primary children what it means to be transgender "would require to teach something about which there is neither a scientific nor social consensus to highly impressionable young children”.

Moninne Griffith, chief executive of BeLonG To, told Newstalk’s Breakfast Briefing show that children as young as six and seven years old can know they are LGBT.

Educating children about trans issues could help trans children “feel safe and included in their school”, she said.

Ms Griffith said she was concerned about the safety of children. 

“We know from research that 12 is the most common age for a young person to know they are LGBT, but I know from talking to teachers and parents all over the country that there are young people as young as six and seven who know they are LGBT — mostly maybe trans,” she said.

“It is a small number but what is the harm in making sure that they feel safe and included in their school?” 

BeLonG To is working with “brilliant teachers all over the country already who are trying to make sure that students feel included”, she added. That was really important.

Ms Griffith said she was very disappointed to hear about the letter from the CPSMA. 

“We are working with post-primary Catholic schools all over the country who are doing amazing work to ensure that all their students, including LGBT students, feel safe and supported in school”.