How Diversity Role Models Can Tackle Prejudice-Based Bullying

Diversity Role Models CEO Matt Garvey offers some timely advice on how organizations can tackle prejudice-based bullying.

Research shows that only 27% of secondary school students feel their school would be safe for LGBTQ+ individuals to 'come out'? In fact, homophobic attitudes are the most likely reasons for bullying in secondary schools, according to our latest study. Our research showed that secondary school students are most likely to be bullied when they are gay or thought to be gay (42%), or when they look different (40%). Diversity Role Models – an educational charity embedding inclusion and empathy in schools – equips pupils and teachers with the confidence to challenge bullying through effective training and the support of volunteer role models.

Diversity Role Models was founded in 2011 to work with schools to promote empathy, kindness and respect towards LGBTQ+ people. Our volunteer role models are invited into schools where they talk about their lived experiences. Through the power of storytelling, they dispel the myths and stereotypes and help young people who are LGBTQ+ to realise that they are not alone. Diversity Role Models didn’t exist when I was at school, but I wish it had. From primary to secondary and college, we work alongside staff and students, building LGBTQ+ inclusive cultures to tackle and prevent prejudice-based bullying. We strive to create an education system in which every young person will know they are valued and supported.

Each of our amazing volunteer role models has their own unique story to tell kids about growing up, realising they were different and navigating life as an LGBTQ+ person. Their stories help young people, many of whom may never have met a confident and out person before, relate to the challenges and triumphs of life. Being a volunteer role model changes attitudes setting the foundations for a better and more inclusive future. Best of all, it’s such a fun and rewarding way to do some good.

The impact of our work

One individual recently told us: “I think that the work Diversity Role Models does is vital to sustaining a safe environment in school. My school is often a difficult and hostile environment for the queer community and when Diversity Role Models came to visit it gave a whole new perspective on the story. Not only did their workshops help other students to become more respectful… but it also helped me to accept the reality that I live in.”

“Diversity Role Models helped me re-gain a sense of determination, I wasn't going to settle for my situation. They helped me and other [LGBTQ+] pupils at my school to gain confidence and direction. They are the spark to a great explosion of acceptance and change,” stated another secondary pupil.

“I believe in the power of storytelling as a way to influence a more inclusive culture. I wish I’d had an LGBT+ role model to turn to when I was at school,” shared our role model Barry.

How to get involved?

You too can become a role model. Share your story and build a more inclusive future by:

· Registering interest – click here for more .

· Training – it is free through a two-hour (virtual) training session, where you'll learn how to share your role model story.

· We’ll fund your DBS check – consent to checks on your suitability to volunteer with children and submit your ID documents to complete a DBS check.

· Then join us and share your story and make a difference in the lives of the next generation.

If you being a role model isn’t a fit for you, you can make a difference by donating to us to fund other role models by clicking here.

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