posted by Alita Spink, Schools and Learning Support Officer, Schools and Learning
LGBT Education Network Newsletter:
May 2018
It seems that Summer is finally here, as are exams! I hope everything is going well and everyone is happily aware of the end of the year somewhere on the horizon!
In this Newsletter, to help you with your work on LGBT inclusion in Education we have: an important message around the new General Data Protection Regulartion (GDPR); resources for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT); the Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People report; our brand new website; free training in Glasgow on LGBT Experiences of Homelessness and Abuse; and information from LEAP Sports about the Pride House Legacy Quilt project.
So let’s dive in…
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
May 17th 2018
This year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), LGBT Youth Scotland want our friends and supporters to extend the hand of friendship around the world.
To connect with the international theme for 2018 of “Alliances for Solidarity”, we want to reach out to people in the 72 countries around the world where same sex relationships are illegal. We want you to send a message of solidarity using the hashtag #LoveFromScotland. That might be as simple as tweeting a selfie on the day, sharing a message of hope.
To help with that, we have created primary and secondary level resources including assemblies and learning activities to use on or around IDAHOBIT.
These can be found here.
LGBT Youth Scotland launched the Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People report in February, drawing on the responses of 684 young people aged 13-25 from across Scotland. This is the largest research of its kind in Scotland and includes new information about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people’s experiences of education, hate crime and mental health.
The report highlights that, despite changes in legislation and improved legal protection in Scotland, much needs to be done to improve the day-to-day lives of LGBT young people.
Key findings include:
• 71% of LGBT young people experienced bullying in school on the grounds of being LGBT. This is a rise from 69% in 2012 and 60% in 2007.
• 82% of transgender young people experienced bullying in school on the grounds of being LGBT. This has risen from 77% in 2012
• 9% of LGBT young people and 27% of transgender young people left education as result of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in the learning environment.
• 46% of LGBT young people and half (53%) of transgender young people rated their school experience as ‘bad’
You can download a full copy of the report here.
We’re thrilled to say that our brand new website is now live!
Designed to work seamlessly across both desktop and mobile, with our digital live chat system built in, this is a portal to information and support for professionals and young people. We can’t wait to hear what you think.
The LGBT Domestic Abuse Project at LGBT Youth Scotland has been funded by the Scottish Government to provide a targeted multi-agency trainings on LGBT Experiences of Homelessness and Abuse. This FREE full day training will take place in Glasgow on 24th May 2018 .
Learning Outcomes
Participants will;
• Have an increased knowledge of language and definitions related to working with LGBT people
• Have increased understanding of LGBT people’s experiences and impact of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
• Have increased understanding of LGBT young people’s experiences of homelessness and abuse
• Increased understanding of the barriers LGBT young people face when accessing support services
Training will take place from 9:30-4pm in Glasgow. Venue will be confirmed when places are allocated.
For this training, we are interested in reaching front-line workers in public services such as Housing, Policing and the criminal justice system and social work, as well as third sector organisations that provide support around gender based violence.
The form to express interest in attending this training can be found here; https://lgbtyouth.wufoo.com/forms/lgbt-homelessness-and-abuse-multiagency-training/
Equality Quilt: Pride House Glasgow 2018
Our friends at LEAP Sports are coordinating the creation of the Equality Quilt and are looking for schools to get involved!
What is the Equality Quilt?
The Equality Quilt is a 36 panel quilt which will be exhibited in Pride House in Glasgow during the European Championships 2nd-12th August 2018. Through the quilt panels we will represent and explore issues relating to LGBTIQ+ human rights, LGBTIQ+ equality in sport, and LGBTIQ+ cultural heritage. As a tie-in to the Year of Young People 2018 and the European Year of Cultural Heritage. we are looking for 32 schools across Scotland, one from each authority, to create a panel and make a contribution to the quilt.
The Equality Quilt will be exhibited in Pride House Glasgow and is expected to be seen by around 4,000 people over the course of the 12-day European Championships. The Quilt will then spend a year travelling to those schools who wish to spend time hosting it, as well as being shown at an equality event at the Scottish Parliament during LGBT History Month in 2019.
If you’d like to get involved, you can contact anghi@leapsports.org
Our vision is that Scotland is the best place to grow up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people.
Our mission is to play a leading role in the provision of quality youth work to LGBTI young people that promotes their health and wellbeing, and to be a valued and influential partner in LGBTI equality and human rights.
