After just a month in my role I’m so excited to be leading Diversity Role Models into Pride 2022. The month started with the Rainbow Honours Awards in which we were a finalist and while we didn’t win, it was such a positive event that renewed our commitment to equality and diversity following the Pandemic. Well done to Mermaids for winning Charity of the Year and for their deserved recognition in working with transgender and non-binary families.
While Pride Month is a time to celebrate difference, it is also a time to remind ourselves of those who suffer simply because they are different. Bullying at school and in the workplace blights the lives of children and adults. While awareness of bullying continues to improve, our recent survey of over 5000 pupils makes sobering reading. We will be releasing our report later this month but in the meantime I ask all supporters, as you celebrate Pride 2022 to spare a thought for those who dread going to school because of LGBT bullying and other forms of prejudice based abuse.
I want, however, to end this message on a positive note. I had great pleasure participating as a Role Model in Year 8 workshops at Thomas Mills School recently. I was amazed by the pupils’ awareness and acceptance of LGBT+ issues and their insightful questioning of me and the other Role Models. Given that such a conversation would have been illegal when I was at school, it goes to show how far we have travelled on the road of LGBT+ rights and the awesome potential for equality that lies within next generation.
Have a great Pride 2022.
Best wishes,
Matt
