No evidence of compulsory national curricula inclusive of LGBTQI people: 0/10 | The compulsory national curricula includes representation of one ground of discrimination: 5/10 | Two grounds: 7.5/10 | Three grounds: 10/10
Sex and relationship education is mandatory and should be implemented in a cross-curricular manner, but does not constitute a standalone module or subject. In the general curriculum equality and freedom of gender expression/identity as well as norm criticism is present, however variations in sex characteristics are not mentioned. Gender, gender roles and gender patterns are terms that recur in several places throughout the curriculum. The term gender identity can be found in, for example, the syllabuses for sports and health, and for religious studies in upper secondary school. For its part, the term sexual orientation is not mentioned in biology but the content in the syllabuses is gender neutral. The syllabus includes human puberty, sexuality, questions concerning identity, relationships and love, and biology. It also has information about sexual health. The gender-neutral content allows for a broad view on sexuality, gender, and the human body as well as identity and thus includes LGBTQI-perspectives.
In 2022, the Swedish curriculum was amended to include new texts regarding gender equality and comprehensive sexuality education. This area was then renamed sexuality, consent and relationships. Teaching about sexuality, consent, and relationships in Swedish schools is informed by a norm-conscious approach. This means ensuring that the teaching content is equally pertinent to all pupils, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The language, examples, and viewpoints presented in the classroom should emphasise universality and inclusivity rather than presupposing any specific identity or orientation.
In 2022, the education system also underwent a transition away from relying on external actors such as civil society organisations to deliver CSE, towards ensuring that teachers are and feel capable of delivering it themselves.
The country does not have a specific human rights education, since the principles are implemented transversally throughout the curriculum.
At the more local level, the city of Stockholm has funded special lessons in primary and high schools since 2016 to promote and broaden the acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pupils.
