CEO May update, by Matt Garvey
This May and through to August we are launching our £50k for 50 schools campaign for the 2023-24 academic year . Our aim is to support 50 schools in the most deprived parts of the country to end LGBTQ+ bullying.
After twelve years, Diversity Role Models still know just how much our anti bullying workshops are needed. There remains a high level of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in our schools. While education on the LGBTQ+ community is great and many schools are doing fantastic work, it remains impossible for many young people to be out at school. Those who come out often face exclusion, hostility and bullying which can have awful and lifelong consequences. Our £50k for 50 schools campaign recognises that for children in more challenging areas, being LGBTQ+ is even more difficult. Intersectionality, reduced life choices and struggling school finances mean many LGBTQ young people face loneliness and mental health difficulties.
What Diversity Role Models are doing
That’s where Diversity Role Models comes in. If we can overcome the obstacle for schools of paying for our workshops, then we can tell our stories in those schools to build the empathy and an upstanding culture that will end bullying.
We have plenty of events scheduled throughout May to August to help us reach the target. These include corporate panels, traditional charity bucket shakes and panel events.
We can’t do it without our supporters who share our vision where every young person feels valued and included because of their differences.
How can you help?
- Come to our Summer Soirée fundraiser this pride month on 22 June. Tickets are £90 which includes all drinks, food and entertainment on an exciting Deliveroo rooftop location on The Thames. Get your tickets here before they sell out!
- Become a regular donor and support pupils through our work. We have easy ways for you to donate which you can find on our website here.
- Volunteer and tell your story in schools local to you. Become one of our invaluable Diversity Role Models – whether you’re LGBTQ+ or a committed ally, you can sign up here.
- Introduce DRM to your company or pride network so they can explore funding our work
For some, being a young LGBTQ+ pupil can mean living a life where you’re frightened to be yourself. Then, one day Diversity Role Models visit, tell their stories and demonstrate that there is nothing more glorious than living life as your true authentic self. So, let’s give the pupils of today the role models many of us never had. Support our £50k for 50 schools’ campaign and together we can change the future.
Donate to our #50for50 schools campaign to end LGBTQ+ bullying HERE
