Academics to explore LGBT education in primary schools in upcoming talk at University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire’s Beds Talks series is back with a discussion on how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) themes are raised with primary school children.

The remote public webinar will provide notable guest speakers the opportunity to share research, resources, ideas and recommendations on the essential topic of ‘LGBT themes within and beyond relationships, health and sex education (RH(S)E) in primary school’.

This free public event takes place online on Monday, April 26 and is open to all members of the community as well as staff and students. Attendees will receive instructions on how to join closer to the event date.

You can register for free tickets online.

There will also be a chance for audience members to ask the panel questions.

Led by Alex Baird and Dr Joanne Hill, the round table will discuss seven key areas – each led by a different expert.

Secretary of the LGBTQ Alliance for Bedfordshire staff and lecturer in sport and physical education, Alex’s current research specifically explores gender and sexualities within RH(S)E at primary school.

As co-host of the event, Alex hopes the discussion will clear up misconceptions about the teaching of LGBT relationships in primary education.

She said: “I believe it’s incredibly important that we address how and why LGBT themes can be introduced into primary education, as there are a number of potential misinterpretations around the new syllabus.”

The event promises to be of particular interest to parents and carers of primary school-aged children, primary school staff members and students on teaching or social justice-related courses.

Multi award-winning teacher and global LGBT+ advocate, Shaun Dellenty, has been invited to lead the Empowering Authentic Schools section of this Beds Talks event.