Nursery World - Equality & Diversity: Part 4

Mixed and biased messages that even young children can pick up about sexual orientation are more prevalent and more damaging than many people might think, says Anne O'Connor.

Sexual orientation refers to the natural preference or inclination of a young person or adult with regard to choice of sexual partner. It is an aspect of the equalities debate that people don't always associate with early years provision. Rightly, there are concerns about perceived notions of sexualising young children. However, there are valid reasons for practitioners equipping themselves with an understanding of the very real effects of discrimination in this area.

Affects us all

Bias related to sexual orientation, often referred to as 'homophobia', is the oppression of a group of people because of their sexual orientation as lesbian, gay or bisexual. It also includes prejudice and bias based on perceived notions about homosexuality and gender stereotypes which prevent people from moving out of their gender roles for fear of being labelled as gay or lesbian. It is very important that we realise just how much homophobia affects everyone in society and particularly children.

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