Parallel's support for LBGTQ+ youth on NewsChannel 9

𝐃𝐚𝐲 5️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 2️⃣ 📚 Education is not just about textbooks and exams.  It’s about creating an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. 🎒 Today's challenge is to explore the importance of advocacy in schools! Learn how to create inclusive spaces, understand the challenges LGBT+ students face, and find out how you can be a supportive ally. By fostering acceptance and understanding, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. ===== 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞? 🏳️🌈 Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT+ Students 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨? 👉 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟏: Hop over https://lnkd.in/djCKs5JK  📄 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟐: Check out the detailed challenge description ⏳ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟑: Register for the challenge 😎 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟒: Let your ally instincts take over! ===== 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐎𝐖! Let’s transform our educational spaces into havens of inclusivity and support. 🌈 #AllyChallenge2024 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲:  Acuity Knowledge Partners | HGS - Hinduja Global Solutions | Dell Technologies | Sutherland #BeTheAlly #Allyship #Ally #DEI #PrideMonth #Pride #LGBTQ #LGBT #Inclusion #Equality #EmployeeEngagement #PrideCircle #EqualForAll #SocialImpact #SocialChange #Queer #Transgender #Diversity 

𝐃𝐚𝐲 5️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 2️⃣ 📚 Education is not just about textbooks and exams.  It’s about creating an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. 🎒 Today's challenge is to explore the importance of advocacy in schools! Learn how to create inclusive spaces, understand the challenges LGBT+ students face, and find out how you can be a supportive ally. By fostering acceptance and understanding, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. ===== 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞? 🏳️🌈 Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT+ Students 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨? 👉 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟏: Hop over https://lnkd.in/djCKs5JK  📄 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟐: Check out the detailed challenge description ⏳ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟑: Register for the challenge 😎 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟒: Let your ally instincts take over! ===== 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐎𝐖! Let’s transform our educational spaces into havens of inclusivity and support. 🌈 #AllyChallenge2024 Powered By:  Acuity Knowledge Partners | HGS - Hinduja Global Solutions | Dell Technologies | Sutherland #BeTheAlly #Allyship #Ally #DEI #PrideMonth #Pride #LGBTQ #LGBT #Inclusion #Equality #EmployeeEngagement #PrideCircle #EqualForAll #SocialImpact #SocialChange #Queer #Transgender #Diversity 

Young LGBTQ+ people need to see visible role models making a difference in their schools, colleges, universities, workplaces and in the wider community. Research earlier this year by myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community found that almost half of students and graduates surveyed said 'it would make me a lot more likely' to accept a job offer if they could see more visible LGBTQ+ role models and allies. 56% of them feel that showing LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace is important. However, more research from The Independent, Diversity Role Models and Just Like Us shows that we are not creating the safe and LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces where role models could be seen: - 53% of school librarians have been asked to remove LGBTQ+ books from their collection - 79% of teachers lack confidence in teaching diverse identities - 65% of schools/colleges do not celebrate Pride or LGBT History Month People are always saying "you can't be what you can't see" - so why should access to positive role models be any different for young LGBTQ+ people? It shouldn't be. Entries to the fifth annual The Queer Student Awards open next week (December 10th) - this is your chance to show our young LGBTQ+ people that they have the same opportunity as everyone else to thrive in their future careers. Subscribe to the QSA newsletter on the QSA homepage to receive email alerts - link in comments. #LGBTQ #DiversityAndInclusion #RoleModels

LGBT Tech is thrilled to announce it has received a grant from Ciena to help close the digital divide for LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations! This support will provide vital tech resources like laptops and smartphones, as well as educational tools and scholarships for students in STEAM fields. Huge thanks to Ciena for their dedication to uplifting and supporting our community. Together, we’re creating greater opportunities and making a real difference for those who need it most! Read more about the grant and how it’s making an impact: https://buff.ly/4i2C0bM #DigitalAccess #TechForChange #LGBTQCommunity #LGBTQ #LGBTTech #Ciena #STEAM #STEM #PowerOn

When it comes to focusing on marginalised communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, student employers need to do better. Research earlier this year by myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community found that 36% of students and graduates survey identify as LGBTQ+ with research from Stonewall in 2022 finding that 40% of Gen Z show a pattern that can be described as 'Queer'. However, research by Institute of Student Employers over the last two years shows that: - just 4% of student employers have a hiring target for LGBTQ+ students - less 20% that have an LGBTQ+ target have met this - just 1 in 5 run activities that aim to engage LGBTQ+ students; and - only 18% of student employers are working with internal LGBTQ+ networks to review their selection processes I'm curious as to what barriers (real and perceived) are causing this missed opportunity to focus on, and engage, young LGBTQ+ people. It's time to address this particular hole that's clearly evident in many hiring strategies. What do you think the barriers are? #LGBTQ #DiversityAndInclusion #StudentRecruitment

🌈💖 On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the vital role of young people in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world. This year's theme, 'From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,' highlights the power of digital platforms in connecting those who might otherwise feel isolated. For young people who are considered 'different,' such as those in the LGBTQ+ community, these digital spaces offer a lifeline—allowing them to find connection, representation, and support. At Diversity Role Models, we harness the power of digital content, including online Role Model videos and downloadable classroom resources, to help educators teach the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion. These resources not only help build understanding and empathy among students and empower young people who might see themselves represented, but also lead the charge against bullying and exclusion in schools. 📚🤝 #InternationalYouthDay #LGBTQ #LoveIsLove #Inclusion #Diversity #Equality #EducationForAll #TeacherLife #Pride #LGBTQCommunity #InclusiveEducation #YouthEmpowerment #RepresentationMatters #LGBTQSupport #DigitalInclusion #YouthVoices #StopBullying #EducationMatters #TeachersSupportingTeachers #DigitalInclusion

National Day of Silence 2024 🌈 Let’s embrace silence not as a symbol of powerlessness, but as a powerful statement for change... Today marks the #NationalDayOfSilence, a day dedicated to bringing attention to the silencing and marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in our schools and communities. Originated in 1996 by a courageous student, #MariaPulzetti, this day has become a symbol of solidarity and a call to action for inclusivity and understanding. As we observe this day, we are reminded of the strength found in silence. It’s a powerful form of non-verbal advocacy that resonates with the struggles faced by many LGBTQ+ youth. The silence we embrace today is not one of passivity but a collective commitment to end the bullying, harassment, and discrimination that too often silence these vibrant voices. The National Day of Silence is more than just a day; it’s a movement that has inspired thousands of students, educators, and allies to take a stand. By participating, we acknowledge the ongoing efforts to create safe and supportive environments where every student can live openly and authentically. As the day concludes, the silence is broken, not just with words, but with renewed hope and determination to continue the fight for equality. This moment of breaking the silence is a powerful reminder that while our voices can be suppressed, they can never be silenced. Let’s use this day to reflect on how we can all be better allies, not just in our words, but through our actions. Let’s commit to listening more, learning more, and doing more to support the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can transform the silence into a future where everyone is heard, valued, and celebrated. Let’s make hope and positivity the loudest message we send today. #nationaldayofsilence2024 #nationaldayofsilence #lgbtqsupport #lgbtqia #lgbtcommunity #pride #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #bullyingawareness #inclusivity #solidarity #hope #acceptance #queeraffirmative #silencespeaksvolumes #unityinsilence #voiceforequality #standwithpride #empowerdiversity

🤝🌈This touching quote from a student highlights the profound impact of our workshops. By connecting with LGBTQ+ Role Models, students gain valuable insights into acceptance and understanding. At Diversity Role Models, we're committed to creating safe and inclusive school environments where every child feels valued and supported. Face-to-face interactions between LGBTQ+ Role Models and young people break down stereotypes and build bridges of compassion and inclusion. Each story shared contributes to a richer, more diverse community, showing us that despite our differences, we have so much in common that unites us. You can be a part of this change! Join us as a volunteer Role Model and help shape a future where diversity is embraced and every student can thrive. 🌍💖 #DiversityRoleModels #LGBTQ+Support #InclusiveEducation #RoleModels #Volunteer #EmpathyInAction #CelebrateDiversity #EqualityForAll #EndBullying #PrideInEducation #inclusion #diversity #love #pride #loveislove #lgbtq #humanrights #diversity #equality #justice #equity #empowerment #peace #lgbt #equality #community #freedom

🌈 Turning Challenges into Triumphs: Organizing Campus Pride Event In my final year of university, I had the privilege of leading the LGBTQ+ club on campus, which involved running activities, managing the fraternity's budget, and most memorably, organizing the Pride Month event in June. However, this journey wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was working with a student union that was less than cooperative. Their lack of support and unwillingness to fulfill their responsibilities threatened to derail the entire event. But this only strengthened my resolve. Instead of giving up, I doubled down. I collaborated with my fraternity members and other campus groups, refusing to let the obstacles stop us. The feeling of injustice fueled my determination to create a meaningful and inclusive event that would be remembered by all students, regardless of the hurdles placed in our way. In the end, the pride event became a success, despite the challenges. It was a reminder that persistence, resourcefulness, and teamwork can overcome even the toughest of opposition. Most importantly, it highlighted the importance of standing up for our community, especially when others try to silence us. 💪 Never let roadblocks stop you from creating change. #Leadership #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #Resilience #CampusLife #Inclusion #EventManagement #OvercomingChallenges

As we head into 2025, one of my biggest hopes is for the government to finalise the draft guidance on RSHE and supporting gender questioning young people in schools. Since its introduction in spring 2024, it’s left many teachers feeling stuck, unable to move forward with vital policies and curricula that our students desperately need. Teaching about LGBT+ identities isn’t just about supporting LGBT+ people—it’s about helping everyone understand and respect the diversity that exists in our world. These lessons build empathy, break down barriers, and prepare young people for the relationships and challenges they’ll face in the workplace and society. It’s simple: LGBT+ people exist, and we need to educate all young people around that. I recently spoke on this very topic at a Government Events conference, and the urgency couldn’t be clearer. With hate crimes and stigma against LGBT+ individuals rising (just look at the vile backlash against a drag performer on BBC’s prime time), it’s more important than ever that we get this right. This isn’t just a "nice-to-have"—it’s critical. As we look to 2025, I hope the government and educators will make this a priority. If you’re looking for support in teaching RSHE and creating inclusive spaces, we’ve got a wealth of resources to help—check them out here: https://lnkd.in/eczW7AJC Let’s make 2025 the year we get it right for all young people. #LGBTQ #Inclusion #Education #RSHE #Diversity #Empathy #Equality #TransRights #LGBTQEducation