Reflecting on Pride Month ?️?
As we reach the end of June we want to take time to reflect on Pride Month and LGBTQ+ Issues.
June sees the celebration of Pride month due to the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. The riots are widely regarded as the beginning of the fight got LGBTQ+ rights and since then Pride has evolved internationally to express support for community through parades, messages of encouragement and hope for young LGBTQ+ people and protests around the world fighting for same-sex marriage, queer rights etc.
What is LGBTQ+?
This acroynm stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus. The Plus includes all other genders and sexual identities such as Intersex, Pansexual etc. We have used LGBTQ+ as it is an inclusive acronym that includes everybody on the Queer spectrum. LGBT is the accepted shortened version.
Pride month is vital to help others understand issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, empowering support, whether they are children in their care, a parent, a cousin, a nephew etc.
As LGBTQ+ life rights become more ‘mainstream’ it is important that we understand that while there is more acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth, they still face challenges which differ from their peers. A study of more than 300 LGBT young people in Scotland showed that:
“77% of transgender young people had experienced homophobic, biphobic or transphobic bullying in school.”
We have gathered some resources together to help you understand and provide better care for LGBT youth.
LGBTQ+ Acronym terms expanded and explained – BBC Newsbeat
This news article details the meanings of all the LGBTQ+ acronym. The expanded acronym is LGBTQQIAAP. This article explains words like Pansexual, Asexual, Intersex, Queer etc. A great place to start.
LGBTQ Youth Report – Human Rights Campaign Foundation
HRC’s survey found some very interesting facts regarding LGBTQ+ youth and provides you with actionable items and resources.
Understanding LGBT adolescents’ suicide, self-harm and help-seeking behaviour – Queer Futures
This scientific research holds some vital information on the mental health of LGBT adolescents.
Including LGBT youth in Sport – LGBT Youth North West
Understand the need for the inclusion and actionable ways to make sporting in your organisation more inclusive of LGBT Youth and less intimidating.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from medical transition to contraception to binding and tucking.
A Journey Without A Map – Allsorts Youth Project
The perfect resource for a parent who’s child is Trans (transgender.) This explains it all; terms, tips and places to turn to for help.
Supporting Transgender Young People – Guidance for Schools
The vast majority of this resource includes ideas and practises that can be implemented across schools in other areas. It features advice on your use of language, how to deal with toilets and changing rooms, how to deal with school uniform, how to support the young person and their guardians and much more.
As we reach the end of June, let’s all ensure that we continue safeguarding and supporting LGBTQ+ young people all year round.
