Schools and colleges from across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust will be learning about and celebrating LGBTQ+ history throughout this month by engaging with a variety of activities and events.
Pupils within the Trust will explore LGBTQ+ rights, while also celebrating the inclusive and safe spaces our schools and community provide. Resources to lead on activities will be tailored for our primary and secondary ages.
Everyone is different. No matter our interests, preferences, backgrounds, or identities, we are all Be’YOU’tiful. So our 'Be You' event provides us with an opportunity to celebrate exactly that!
This year, on Friday 9th February, staff and pupils are encouraged to wear their colours as part of a non-uniform day and partake in arranged activities that celebrate our differences, which make us unique and beautiful.
Those who get involved are encouraged to pay £1 to donate to the LGBTQ+ charity, Just Like Us, or an alternative charity of their choice.
Pupils will have the chance to complete their ‘I Am Beautiful’ signs in tutor time or break / lunch. Photos will be shared here throughout our month-long event to showcase what our schools will be doing.
Chartwells and Thinking Food will be hosting a themed menu on Thursday 22nd February.
A colourful spread of fruits, juices, desserts and main courses will be served to reflect LGBTQ+ Pride and the theme of letting our colours shine.
Expect an extra-virbant splash of colour on our social media platforms this month!
We will be busy across school and Trust pages sharing pictures, testimonials and other engaging content as we celebrate LGBTQ+ History.
We want to make our #WeAreOne event something everyone can be involved in, from pupils to teachers and support staff across the Trust. Throughout LGBTQ+ History Month, we're encouraging staff to take part in a lunchtime discussion to identify the key LGBTQIA+ terms and their definitions, as well as holding celebrations and reminders about the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Stonewall: Stonewall are a leading LGBTQ+ charity fighting for freedom, equality, and potential. Assisting the LGBTQ+ community in being free to be themselves and live their lives fully.
MindOut: MindOut is a LGBTQ+ mental health service working to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ communities and make mental health a community concern.
FFLAG: A national voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to supporting parents, friends, and families of those who identify as LGBTQ+.
| MIND | https://mindout.org.uk/ |
|---|---|
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) | fflag.org.uk Offers support to parents, friends and family members of those who identify as LGBT+. |
Galop | galop.org.uk 0207 704 2040 (LGBT+ hate crime helpline) 0800 999 5428 (LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline) 0800 130 3335 (Conversion therapy helpline) help@galop.org.uk Provides helplines and other support for LGBT+ adults and young people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. |
Gender Identity Research & Education Society (GIRES) | gires.org.uk Works to improve the lives of of trans and gender non-conforming people of all ages, including those who are non-binary and non-gender. |
LGBT Foundation | https://lgbt.foundation/
|
London Friend | londonfriend.org.uk Offers a range of services around London to support LGBT health and wellbeing including support groups and counselling. |
Mermaids | mermaidsuk.org.uk 0808 801 0400 Supports gender-diverse young people aged 19 and under, and their families and carers. Offers a helpline and webchat. |
MindLine Trans+ | bristolmind.org.uk/help-and-counselling/mindline-transplus/ 0300 330 5468 Free, confidential listening service for people identifying as trans or non-binary, and their friends and families. |
Pink Therapy | pinktherapy.com Online directory of qualified therapists who identify as or are understanding of minority sexual and gender identities. |
Samaritans | samaritans.org 116 123 (freephone) Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day). |
Stonewall | stonewall.org.uk 08000 50 20 20 Information and advice for LGBT people on a range of issues. |
Stonewall Housing | stonewall.org.uk 08000 50 20 20 Information and advice for LGBT people on a range of issues. |
Switchboard | switchboard.lgbt 0300 330 0630 Listening services, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. |
Terrence Higgins Trust | tht.org.uk 0808 802 1221 Provides support for LGBT+ people worried about their sexual health, including via a listening service. |
