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+.
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG)
Galop
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)
LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/ 0345 3 30 30 30 Advice, support and information for people identifying as LGBTQ+.
London Friend
Mermaids
MindLine Trans+
Free, confidential listening service for people identifying as trans or non-binary, and their friends and families.
Pink Therapy
Samaritans
Stonewall
Information and advice for LGBT people on a range of issues.
Stonewall Housing
Switchboard
Terrence Higgins Trust