Whilst geographies of sexualities has been a staple on undergraduate curriculum and Geographical societies recognize groups such as the Space, Sexualities and Queer Working Group, there has been a significant lacunae in school based geographies. Race/ethnicity, income and gender inequalities have long been part of school teaching about diverse societies, but issues of sexualities, equalities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people's lives are often been ignored.
The Edexcel report recognises the importance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans difference, introducing some key concepts that can later be developed at University degree level. There are of course complexities, layers and nuances that are not encompassed in this report, including the use of LGBT in a worldwide context, yet this can be seen as a huge step forward. It also shows that school level geographies in the UK are beginning to engage with cutting edge areas of research and degree level teaching.
The Edexcel report cites Count Me In Too (www.countmeintoo.co.uk), a research project has been exploring lives in Brighton & Hove, working in partnership with LGBT people, LGBT groups, and service providers to identify issues for local LGBT people and plan how to address these. It is clear then that links between research and school level teaching can be made.
