2023 marks 20 years since the repeal of Section 28 in the United Kingdom. This legislation, officially known as Section 28 of the Local Government Act, had a profound impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals within the education system. To shed light on the significance of Section 28 and its lasting effects, we had the privilege of speaking with Professor Catherine Lee, a former teacher who experienced the law's restrictions firsthand. Professor Lee, who has recently released a book titled "Pretended: Schools and Section 28," shared her personal experiences and reflections on the era.

What was Section 28?

Section 28 was a law that existed from 1988 to 2003 in England and Wales, and until 2000 in Scotland. It applied to all local authorities and schools, prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality as a "pretended family relationship." Notably, it only focused on homosexuality and did not address other LGBTQ+ identities due to the limited understanding of those identities at the time.

Catherine’s experiences

As a teacher who began her career just as Section 28 came into force, Professor Catherine Lee had the “dubious honour” of teaching under the entirety of its shadow. The vagueness of the law caused anxiety and uncertainty among LGBTQ+ teachers. It led to a climate of self-censorship and fear, where discussing same-sex relationships was strictly avoided. Catherine, who was in a same-sex relationship herself, felt compelled to hide her identity and found staff rooms more anxiety-provoking than classrooms. In her own words, she was “hiding in plain sight”.  This sense of living a double life and the fear of breaking the law made career advancement difficult, leading to a prolonged period in entry-level positions.

The impacts upon mental health

The effects of Section 28 extended beyond the professional sphere. Many LGBTQ+ teachers experienced anxiety and depression linked to the incompatibility between their personal and professional identities. Later, in 2018, Catherine’s own research revealed that 64% of lesbian and gay teachers who experienced Section 28 sought help for mental health issues resulting from this internal conflict.

Pretended and Blue Jean

Catherine took her direct experiences during Section 28 and compiled them into a book called ‘Pretended: Schools and Section 28’. The journey of bringing these personal diaries to light began when she shared her expertise with film director Georgia Oakley, who was working on a film about a lesbian teacher during the Section 28 era. The film, titled ‘Blue Jean’ earned a BAFTA nomination, and shortly after Catherine released her book, describing them as “stories that needed to be told”.

How did education change when Section 28 was repealed?

When Section 28 was eventually repealed, there was no immediate change within the education system. The law was local authority-based, and given that there was no fanfare, school leaders were likely unaware of its repeal. Although society became more tolerant over time, with queer characters being shown in tv and film, the discussion of sexual identity and relationships in schools remained a sensitive topic. The post-repeal period was characterised, in Catherine’s words, by a "don't ask, don't tell" atmosphere, where discretion was expected. She recalls that any discussion of your sexuality, or your partner, would be met with perceived disdain - “but if you are discreet about it, we'll kind of let you be yourself, perhaps in the staffroom - if we feel like it”.

Looking to the future…

The repeal of Section 28 brought some progress, with increased visibility of LGBTQ+ history and Pride celebrations in schools. Initiatives like Courageous Leaders, Pride and Progress, and LGBT Ed have created networks and leadership development opportunities for LGBTQ+ teachers, fostering visible role models. However, Catherine  warns against complacency, highlighting the challenges faced…

“Finally, on this I would just say often where the US leads, the UK follows and it's been really concerning to see that the current governor of Florida has introduced a law which is Section 28 by another name.  Its nickname is ‘Don't Say Gay’, and I know that LGBTQ+ books have been removed from libraries in Florida schools and teachers have had to remove photographs of their same sex partner from their office desks.”

Long shadows but glimmers of light…

Section 28 was a dark chapter in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK. It created a climate of fear and repression for queer teachers and students, and it denied them the opportunity to be their authentic selves in the education system. Professor Catherine Lee's personal experiences during this time highlight the emotional toll and the limitations that Section 28 imposed on LGBTQ+ individuals within the classroom, and beyond.

Fortunately, since the repeal of Section 28, there have been positive developments in education, with organisations and movements working towards greater inclusion, equity and visibility. However, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in our schools. We must challenge any discriminatory practices or legislation that undermine their dignity and equal treatment.

As Catherine herself puts it: “My book is called Pretended, but my piece of advice would be don't pretend. It takes too much energy. It's a waste of time. And you have the right to be your authentic selves in the workplace. There's a saying that we can't be what we can't see. So if we are able to be role models for young queer people, then we're doing something that's really, really important.”

Professor Catherine Lee’s book, “Pretended: Schools and Section 28” can be bought online or from independent bookstores.