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MEN Runs Article on Prevalence of Homophobia in Greater Manchester

The legendary Manchester Evening News, aka MEN, formerly owned by The Guardian and now the property of Trinity Mirror, reported yesterday (August 24th) on the Schools OUT/National Union of Teachers Prevalence of Homophobia Survey.
The survey, which shows that over 90% of teachers surveyed in Greater Manchester have seen or heard a homophobic incident during termtime and 14% have beeen on the receiving end of homophobic abuse themselves, was launched in Manchester yesterday on the eve of what promises to be a soggy Manchester Pride Parade. It also reveals that 89% of teachers don’t feel confident in dealing with homophobia. To read the full report go here: Gtr_Manchester_Prevalence_Hi-Res (1)
Tony Fenwick, co-chair of LGBT History Month said: “The survey busts at least 3 myths. First it shows that our schools are not safe spaces for our children or our staff. Second it challenges the notion that Manchester is some kind of LGB El D’orado. Third it shows that equalities legislation and The Equality Act is having a minimal impact on schools. What we need is statutory training for all teachers in equality and diversity and we need it now. In fact we needed it 40 years ago”.
The Prevalence of Homophobia Surveys have been carried out around the country as part of a campaign to introduce compulsory teacher training in equalities and can be found on the Schools OUT website