Hey! Thanks for coming...

As most of you know, I am very into I&D, specifically around LGBT+ inclusion.

When I was at school I never knew any gay people, I didn't know what it was and I thought I was the only person in the whole world who was gay (like many other LGBT+ individuals once felt, I know!). I always used to hear negative remarks about LGBT+ people which in turn made me hate who I once was. When I was younger I always thought I would be a disappointment to all that knew me and that I was probably one of very few people going through this.

We know that 55% of LGBT+ suffer homophobic, biphobic & transphobic bullying in school. We also know that LGBT+ individuals are more likely to self harm and attempt suicide.

Diversity Role Models (DRM) actively seeks to prevent homophobic bullying in UK Schools. They stop bulling before it happens by educating young people about difference, challenging stereotypes and addressing the misuse of language.

DRM take positive role models - LGBT+ and Straight, into schools to help LGBT+ students feel confident and ensure their classmates are accepting of difference. Their trained facilitators deliver workshops, giving young people the chance to hear personal stories and ask questions anonymously.

To date the charity have worked with over 220 schools and reached over 50,000 young people across the UK.

You could be the next person to help a child change their thoughts on LGBT+ people, like the below:

"Before I thought gay people were disgusting. Now I just think they are the same as everyone else"

How could your money many an impact?

- £4 could pay for materials for a day of workshops

- £10 could provide a school with anti bullying posters

- £25 could train a role model to share their story in schools

- £50 could enable DRM to promote their work in 20 schools