Free after-school LGBTQ+-themed programme set for UK secondary schools
September 11, 2024A program focused on LGBTQ+ initiatives for secondary schools throughout the UK is about to become free.
According to ‘MSN’, the educational campaign known as Pride Groups, managed by the LGBTQ+ charity Just Like Us, is anticipated to receive funding from the National Lottery. Designed in response to increased bullying incidents affecting some LGBTQ+ students, this program assists secondary schools in setting up and operating queer-oriented lunchtime and after-school clubs.
Just Like Us reports that the campaign has already facilitated the creation of these clubs in 410 secondary schools, which has contributed to a safer school environment. All participating teachers noted an improvement in student wellbeing.
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The charity aims to expand the program with the newly acquired funding.
Laura Mackay, the chief executive of Just Like Us, stated: “We hear fantastic feedback from school staff about the quality of training and resources we provide to programme participants. We can’t wait to support more schools in making LGBT+ young people feel safer and happier.”
Aaron Bevan, a teacher from St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College, remarked that the program had been completely successful in the Catholic school in London.
“The fact that the Pride Groups programmes are now free means I can support my students much better, as our college lacks the budget to cover these additional resources, even though my students urgently need them. Having access to them is such a relief.”
As per Just Like Us, 42 percent of LGBTQ+ young individuals have experienced bullying, and 91 percent have heard or been addressed with a homophobic or transphobic slur over the past year.
Figures like right-wing pundit and alleged sexual trafficker Andrew Tate are thought to have contributed to the worsening problem of homophobic and generally discriminatory behaviour in schools.
A YouGov survey from last year indicates that 23 percent of UK boys aged between 13 and 15 have a favourable opinion of Tate, and 25 percent agree with his views.
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