Invisible Boundaries (PDF)

Children's experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities in their families, communities, personal lives and schools were explored by researchers, practitioners, interest groups, policy makers and young people in this exciting and innovative project. They came together over 18 months until May 2007 and this book tells the stories that emerged. The narrative and analysis opens a new arena for those working with children and presents: new ways of conceptualising and overcoming homophobia and transphobia in educational settings; ideas about how to translate policy supporting sexualities equality into the experiences of children and their families; the voices of young LGBT people speaking about their experiences of childhood; fresh insights for people who work with children and may not have considered the importance and implications of sexualities equality for children's lives; and, a vital contribution to building a fairer society.The contributors include Mark Jennett, author of "e;Stand up for us"e;, the British government guidelines on challenging homophobia in schools; Stephen Whittle, trans activist and professor of equalities law; members of Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester; members of the No Outsiders research team challenging homophobia in primary schools; Sue Sanders, co-chair of Schools Out and teacher David Watkins. This is an important book for anyone living or working with children: parents, teachers, community workers, voluntary workers, and all those brought under the broad scope of children's services across the UK, and equivalent services elsewhere. It brings together the voices of people from many sectors who realise the urgency of addressing issues of sexualities equality as early as possible in young children's lives.