Scotland becomes the first country to add LGBTQ+ history in schools

Scotland made history by becoming the first country in the world to embed LGBTQ- inclusive education across its schools' curriculum.

Educators were given a new teacher toolkit with e-learning courses on teaching topics and issues related to the queer community, including same-sex marriage, same-sex parenting, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In addition, the new curriculum also seeks to integrate inclusion into other everyday subjects. For instance, one math lesson offered shows a young girl looking to buy Father's Day gifts for her two dads.

"Scotland is already considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] equality," said Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney in a statement.

“I am delighted to announce we will be the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded within the curriculum," he added.

The Scottish government also hopes that the inclusive lessons will help reduce bullying towards LGBTQ+ youth in the United Kingdom.

Last year, queer rights charity Stonewall conducted a study which found that 60% of British people believe schools should teach LGBTQ-inclusive lessons.

“LGBT-inclusive education is life-changing teaching for so many young people, which is why it’s so powerful to see so much of the British public support the new legislation,” said Stonewall Chief Executive Paul Twocock.

“We owe it to the next generation to ensure our schools are a place where all children and young people can be themselves."

“It’s essential the government invests more in training and resources to better prepare teachers and schools to deliver high-quality LGBT-inclusive teaching now and in the future.”