Equality: Voices in Union

Key Issues

3. Misogyny and LGBT inequality

What is the relationships between misogyny and LGBT inequality?

Reflective question:

Consider what initiatives you are currently aware of that works to promote gender equality and LGBT inclusion – what opportunities might there be in your classroom, school community, local union branch?

Learning points:

  • Traditional gender stereotypes, roles, and expectations are often a core factor in manifestations of both sexism and misogyny, and homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in education settings. A key part of addressing sexism and misogyny amongst young people requires prohibitive gender stereotypes and expectations to be challenged. This is also true for addressing the prejudice experienced by LGBT young people.
  • Researchers like Poteat and Espelage (2005) and Pascoe (2007) have found that where heterosexual boys and young men participate in homophobic bullying behaviours, it is often to belittle or humiliate other boys and young men whom they consider to be less ‘masculine’ than themselves or to be portraying ‘feminine’ traits or behaviours that contradict traditional masculinities: the implication being that femininity is inherently lesser or wrong, which is sexism.
  • A key part of addressing sexism and misogyny amongst young people requires prohibitive gender stereotypes and expectations to be understood and challenged. This is also true for addressing the prejudice experienced by LGBT young people.

LGBT inequality and patriarchy are two systems that rely on one another to thrive. These hierarchies are built on the same stereotypes and norms, positioning rigidly policed heterosexual relationships as ‘normal’ and reinforcing equally rigid gender stereotypes, that limit individual expression and diversity.

The most acute and serious consequence of these rigid and harmful norms is that they lead to an inequality in power, resulting in women and LGBT people being at higher risk of victimisation and gender-based violence.

Education professionals can contribute positively to challenging rigid gender stereotypes and decentralising heterosexuality as a “norm”, by providing equally positive narratives of LGBT lives, showing that there are many ways to live happily and authentically, and, by tackling discrimination in all its forms.

Allyship is essential.