Throughout this week, Miss Anderson has been delivering assemblies to all year groups, as part of LGBT+ history Month and to show how important representation is.
Every year since its launch in 2004, LGBT+ History Month raises vital funds for its work to make schools safe and inclusive for everyone through the sale of its iconic annual badge. Each year the design is distinctive, linking to the year’s National Curriculum theme. Until 2020 the design was created by university design students. For 2023 we are again offering young people the opportunity the chance to be the winning designer of our iconic annual badge.
Professor Sue Sanders, Chair of Schools Out and co-founder of LGBT+ History Month says:
“Our young LGBT+ people experience disproportionately poor mental health, homelessness and well-being due to factors such as anti-LGBT+ bullying, lack of visibility within educational settings and lack of support at home. In a year where Covid-19 has caused further disruption and negative impacts for LGBT+ young people, Schools Out UK is proud to provide this unique opportunity as part of our work to ensure young LGBT+ peoples’ needs are championed, visible and heard”.
Schools OUT UK is the LGBT+ education charity that created LGBT+ History Month. We have campaigned since 1974 to make schools safe and inclusive for everyone.
We work with valued partners like yourselves to educate OUT prejudice, raise LGBT+ visibility by usualising the full diversity of LGBT+ lives to ensure our educational institutions are safe, inclusive and support LGBT+ young people’s well-being.
The first LGBT+ History Month was celebrated in February 2005. Its purpose is to shine a light on LGBT+ history and claim our past, celebrate our present and create our future. It is celebrated across the UK in museums, libraries, art galleries, theatres, workplaces, institutions and schools.
Surveys have shown that “Pupils in schools with strong positive messaging about being LGBT+ have drastically improved wellbeing and feel safer – regardless of whether they are LGBT+ or not” (Just Like Us – ‘Growing Up LGBT+, 2021). Taking part in the month demonstrates a commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all your young people.
What is the badge competition?
Schools OUT UK wanted to give young people of all ages from 5 to 18+ the opportunity to be at the centre of LGBT+ History Month by having their art be on our annual badge, which is sold right across the UK. Proceeds from this go to fund the work of the charity.
How do you take part?
Simply complete the entry form online at here and attach scanned copies of the artwork by/on 31st March 2022 or by returning the form by email to promotions@schools-out.org.uk
Guidelines For Designers
The theme for 2023 is ‘Art – Behind the Lens’. Schools OUT UK will be reclaiming the work and lives of the forgotten or invisibilised LGBT+ people behind the cinema and TV cameras – directors, screen writers, designers, technician, costume, and make-up artist. We are not looking at actors/performers.