LGBT+ and the Pride not Prejudice group in Airdrie Academy
By Morgan Brand
We, at Airdrie Academy, are constantly aiming to make school a safe and open place for all. We are an all-inclusive school, committed to ensuring that anyone who identifies as LGBT+ is treated equally and with the same opportunities and chances as everyone else. We are aware that, if you think you may be LGBT+, it can feel like you are alone and there is no support. Our staff will be happy to talk to you about any questions concerning sexual orientation or gender identity and will listen to you respectfully, without judgement. Our pupil Support teacher, Miss Masterson, is excellent to speak with and is a contact at the school if you wish to speak to someone.
The support of LGBT+ individuals in school is important. Mental health issues are common among the community with 40% of the LGBT+ community experiencing some kind of mental health issue. Further, 96% of young transgender people have self-harmed and 2 out of 5 young transgender people have attempted to take their own life. As well as dealing with personal issues, bullying towards the LGBT+ community is often seen, with 48% of LGB young people reported to have at one point have been bullied. Airdrie Academy will always aim to prevent any sort of bullying from happening to LGBT young people. We know these topics are sometimes difficult to process and go through, so as well as offering adult support, support within the Pride not Prejudice group, we can offer guidance, help websites and phone numbers to further support any other pupils who feel alone or experience any issues.
Now, at Airdrie Academy, we are aiming to do bigger and better for the LGBT+ community. We are working towards gaining our Bronze charter award from LGBT Youth Scotland. The LGBT charter makes a statement that diversity and equality are the heart of our school and are widely accepted. To help achieve this, involve yourself or support this. You do not have to be a part of the LGBT+ community – Be an ally! An ally is someone who does not identity as LGBT but someone who supports equal rights, gender equality and challenges homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The LGBT charter is a progress chart, to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people experience a safe, inclusive and nurturing education.
As part of the Charter we will be looking at our policy and practice, including our legislative obligations in the context of LGBT+ equality.
This year on Purple Friday we raised a fantastic amount of £917 for LGBT Youth Scotland through our sales of badges, lanyards, ribbons, donuts and dress down fund. However, next year for session 2019 we plan to make it greater than the year before. If you want to contribute to any events, changes or even Purple Friday, you can join the Pride not Prejudice group (PNP)!
The Pride not Prejudice group (PNP) is a group that meets in Mrs Murphy’s room in S42, The Modern Languages corridor, every Tuesday Lunchtime with the groups 3 senior leaders; Morgan Brand, Lucie Clark and Erin Swann to discuss LGBT+ issues, organise events and meet other like-minded people . Our group is a safe space for everyone in Airdrie Academy – Allies, those who are passionate about equality and difference for LGBT+ rights and those in the LGBT+ community.
If you need any further information, you can speak to our S6 LGBT Ambassadors Lucie Clark, Morgan Brand and Erin Swann (pictured) who help run the PNP group. Miss Masterson is also available in Pupil Support for further information and support.
All links are available from the ‘Related Sites’ section of this page.
LGBT Charter of Rights
Airdrie Academy is committed to ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people (LGBT) experience a safe, inclusive and nurturing education.
As part of the Charter we will be looking at our policy and practice, including our legislative obligations in the context of LGBT equality.
Related Sites:
External link to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Youth Scotland website.
https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/helpline/
The LGBT Helpline Scotland is open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 12pm-9pm – 0300 123 2523 and email helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
https://www.scottishtrans.org/trans-rights/practice/gender-reassignment/emotional-support/
https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/community-groups/
https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/young-people
This area of the website has information about: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities; coming out; useful contacts; and resources.
https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/parents-carers
This section has advice and resources – including links to support groups for parents of LGBT young people – for parents and carers of LGBT young people.
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