News Release, 31 Jan 08
Conference will launch LGBT History Month and student toolkit
Schools Out will be celebrating the launch of LGBT History Month 2008 at their conference on Saturday. The event, taking place in the Drill Hall theatre in
LGBT History Month, an umbrella festival of community events celebrating LGBT history, identities and culture, is now in its fourth year.
Nigel Tart, a spokesperson, said, ‘We’re excited about launching this year’s History Month and we’re confident the number of events will pass 1000 for the first time. Our website, www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk, has an online calendar and loads of resources to help people put on events in their communities.’
Student Toolkit Launched
The conference will also see the launch of a groundbreaking Toolkit, which aims to empower young people, and their family and friends, to take action against homophobia and transphobia.
It takes the form of an interactive website, covering five areas:
@ Climate of fear
@ Abusive or offensive language
@ Segregation, invisibility and lack of support
@ Subject choices
@ Safer sex
The Toolkit is solution focused, and offers both information and model responses to young LGBT people and those questioning their identity. It draws on legislation, guidance and research, and provides details of help lines, local groups and an anonymous email service. A step by step guide, ‘How to Bring About Change’, highlights the variety of ways in which school culture can be improved to the benefit to all students. The option of remaining anonymous is clearly stated.
Legislation, guidance and research into the effects of homophobia are largely unknown by the very young people they aim to help. Nigel Tart explained:
‘Recent guidance on tackling homophobia was aimed exclusively at head teachers, teachers and governors. Whilst this is clearly crucial, young people also need ways to empower themselves. Our toolkit aims to do just that.
‘Unlike existing guidance, our Toolkit examines the effects of, and links between, sexism, homophobia and transphobia. We believe that all forms of discrimination are wrong, and we oppose the siphoning off of wider forms of gender based oppression.’
Ends
Note to editors:
Founded in 1974 as the Gay Teachers Group, we are one of the oldest groups in the community. LGBT History Month is our first major project, since the repeal of Section 28, to reclaim our position within the school curriculum, as well as raise our wider visibility.
For further information, please contact:
Sue Sanders (co-chair): 07960 493544
Paul Patrick (co-chair): 07883 091678
Nigel Tart (media officer): 07929 271977
Attachments:
· Conference Programme
Attachments: