Pride During a Pandemic
Why LGBTQ+ young people need pride now more than ever.
Let’s talk numbers. 45% of LGBT+ pupils and 64% of trans pupils are bullied about their identity in British schools, this is a harsh reality outlined in statistics published by Stonewall, 2 in 5 trans pupils have attempted to take their life, as have 1 in 5 LGB (who aren’t trans) pupils.This illustrates that the society we have created for our children is not accepting of them which has devastating consequences. Every day young people face prejudice, discrimination, violence, poor mental health, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, a lack of positive representation in the media and the list goes on, and on, and on.
Are you listening? Pride matters. Now more than ever.
So what do you know about Pride Month? If the answer is ‘nothing’ or ‘not much’ then you need to sit down with a nice glass of your favourite drink and consult our favourite educator - Google. Far too many young people tell me that they are seen as the experts of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. To be a strong ally to your LGBTQ+ students, you should not rely on them to educate you. Do your own homework.
I have lost count of the number of times I have heard ‘I don’t see the point in labels’, ‘we are all equal’, or my personal favourite, ‘why is there not a straight pride?’ If you have found yourself uttering any of these phrases then you’ve got work to do. Pride Month is an important time to get together and celebrate, not only the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, but the number of Pride events that take place across the country also provide safe, affirming spaces for people to be themselves in a world which others them.
Pride exists because yes, we are living in 2020 and yes - legislation has improved dramatically over the years, but there is still so much further to go. Especially for trans people and specifically trans people of colour and the many other intersectional groups that exist within the LGBTQ+ community.
As a society that puts such high stakes on education, it should be the job of educators to help share the importance of Pride - not just to LGBTQ+ people, but to ALL people. Until everybody understands why it's important to celebrate difference, why it’s essential that we accept people for who they are and who they wish to be, then we will never live in a truly equal society.
As a queer woman who works in children’s services, it astounds me the amount of institutions that do not recognise Pride Month in any way. I truly understand how important it is to stay connected with people from the LGBTQ+ community. Since the virus took hold, it has been empowering to see the response from community organisations moving their operations online. There are countless groups who work with LGBTQ+ young people nationwide now offering support packages digitally: from 1:1 sessions, virtual Prides, mindful meditation sessions, to digital youth groups to name just a few of the activities on offer. I am grateful these services exist, but we can all be doing more.
If I can leave you with one message it is to educate yourself so that in turn, you can educate others. This is a perfect domino effect which can ripple through the heart of the education system. It seems common sense to me that the institutions that have a diverse curriculum, with a diverse workforce, putting human rights, dignity and respect at the forefront of decision making, will have a greater impact on society.
Some top tips for supporting LGBTQ+ young people during a pandemic
Do your research on LGBTQ+ history, don’t rely on young people to do it for you.
Some Websites to read:
Recognise Pride in an email to students, parents and staff, a simple happy Pride Month with links to resources would be a great start, we have created a pride during a pandemic activity pack for you to download and share.
Send out a Pride info pack to all young people.
Be acutely aware some young people may be living in homes that do not accept their identity. There are some fab websites out there that have a ‘leave quickly’ button such as The Proud Trust.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ culture in your curriculum (not just in June).
Write an LGBTQ+ inclusion policy for your school.
Share resources and information:
An LGBTQ+ youth organisation in the North West called The Proud Trust has established the ‘Ireland, UK and The Islands LGBT+ Youth Work Network’ in response to Covid - 19. This network lists 18 support services across the UK offering support to young people, literally right now. Each site has its own diary of events that you can signpost young people to https://www.theproudtrust.org/for-young-people/advice-and-support/were-here-for-you/
Appreciate people will seek more connections online so share internet safety tips to young people and parents:
Government list of sites to be aware of, this has been released since the Covid-19 pandemic started to support you to support students and parents.
Arrange LGBTQ+ inclusion training for all your staff.
Don’t make assumptions about young people. All young people express their identity in different ways. Never assume they identify as LGBTQ+ as these assumptions are usually based on harmful stereotypes which are wrongly shared in society. If a young person seeks out support, then support them at their pace.