Trans Parent Day: One in 10 trans parents Homeschool ‘to avoid anti-LGBT+ prejudice’ 

One in 10 UK trans parents (11%) have decided to homeschool their children “to avoid anti-LGBT+ prejudice”, according to research from Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity.  On Trans Parent Day (3 November), Just Like Us is encouraging schools and nurseries across the UK to ensure that no family is treated differently, whether or not they are LGBT+.

Transgender parents are facing a widespread lack of LGBT+ inclusion in schools – a third (30%) have heard negative comments about trans people at school, and one in five (18%) trans parents report being treated differently by their child’s school because of their LGBT+ identity.

A lack of inclusion is impacting LGBT+ families across the UK, but trans parents are most likely (11%) to say that they have decided to homeschool their children “to avoid anti-LGBT+ prejudice”.

LGBT+ Parents Report

Just Like Us’ LGBT+ Parents Report independently surveyed 1,012 LGBT+ parents across the UK, and also interviewed families about their experiences, in June 2024.

Overall, just one in five (19%) LGBT+ parents say their child’s school would “openly discuss LGBT+ families with pupils”, and four in 10 (41%) have experienced negative comments about their family.

However, although LGBT+ families are facing disproportionate challenges, schools and nurseries can take simple steps towards inclusion, reducing stigma and improving the wellbeing of LGBT+ families, ensuring their children are able to thrive.

The LGBT+ Parents Report provides 10 recommendations for nurseries and schools on how they can be more inclusive to children from LGBT+ families.

These recommendations include:

• Make diversity the default: Openly discuss diverse families, and avoid assuming that each pupil’s family looks the same.
• Engage with LGBT+ parents: LGBT+ families are likely to have serious worries about their child’s safety and ability to thrive in school. Invite them to discuss their worries, ask what might help their child thrive at school, and talk about what you’re doing as a school to be inclusive.
• Make LGBT+ people visible across the curriculum and in school displays: Just Like Us has LGBT+ inclusive display materials, lesson plans and curriculum resources for all key subjects and key stages – school staff can sign up for free access.
• Set up a Pride Group or book a school talk from an LGBT+ speaker: Just Like Us’ free Pride Groups programme supports schools to run regular lunchtime or after-school clubs for LGBT+ and ally pupils to connect, learn, and make friends in a safe space. Additionally, Just Like Us speakers can be booked to share their experiences growing up LGBT+ and offer guidance on allyship.
• Update registration forms: Updating forms to include a non-binary option under gender of parents, and making sure parents don’t just have a ‘mother and father’ section to fill out, are both quick changes that will have a huge positive impact for LGBT+ families.

Lyra, a trans mum, said: “As a trans mum, I have occasionally felt a little isolated. But our nursery experience has been remarkably positive. Their policies are well designed to accommodate different sorts of families, and that, to me, has been the most important thing.

“One of the first things we were asked is what our child calls us, and they have been absolutely consistent in using those terms. All that’s really needed is acceptance, flexibility and a willingness to listen, and that helps all families – not just queer ones.”

Trans Parent Day

Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, said: “On Trans Parent Day, it’s crucial to highlight the challenges faced by trans parents and their families in the UK.

“Our research shows that a concerning proportion of trans parents are choosing to homeschool their children, not because this is the best choice for their family, but to avoid anti-LGBT+ prejudice. This unacceptable state of affairs underscores the urgent need for schools and nurseries to foster inclusive environments for all families.

“By openly discussing diverse family structures and engaging with LGBT+ parents, we can create safer spaces for all children. Just Like Us is ready to support schools in implementing our recommendations, ensuring that every family is respected and valued.”