HOW TO SET UP YOUR OWN LGBT+ COMMUNITY
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY
A safe space available for students to come, have fun, and learn about LGBT+ matters. It's a great way to gather people together to advocate for LGBT+ issues in school. Bellow are some tips for setting up your own Community!
#1 ADMIN
First things first, let your school know.
It's helpful to get the administration on your side to liase about students, noticeboards, posters, etc. You'll also need an allocated room in school
If there is any reistance to the community, you have every right to have this community under the Equality Act 2010.
You should also find a member of staff to support your community; this will help with any workshops for teachers
COMMUNITY RULES
As a leader of your community, you'll need to set some ground rules. These places are for fun and education, but people need to remember how serious confidentiality is.
RULE #1
What happens in the community stays in the community.
If someone opens up about something, students should not relay that information to others
RULE #2
Listen to each other.
Everything will be very exciting, especially with the activities you may have planned, but students need to listen and respect others when they are speaking. They also need to listen to you
RULE #3
Be educated.
Fundamentally, students have come to the community to learn. Some students may have some incorrect or upsetting views towards LGBT+; you are there to educate everyone, and help them correctly understand everything. Students need to keep an open mind, but so do you
RULE #4
Have fun.
Even though you are teaching the students, you need to have fun with it. Don't take yourself too seriously. You also want the students to come back every week
ACTIVITIES
Activities are a great way to get everyone involved and contributing. Bellow are some original activities you can do to make your community even more fun!
Definitions Game
Listing Well Known LGBT+ Figures
Coming Out, Role Play
Pride, Arts and Crafts
Video Discussions
Short Film Discussions
LGBT+ Quiz
#3 MEETINGS
Now, hopefully through your advertising you've retained an audience. You'll need an idea for a meeting now!
I recommend a meeting every week at lunch, so you're going to need a lot of topics. Fortuntely we have a few ideas:
The Difference Between Sex and Gender
Definitions within LGBT+
Coming Out
Different Genders and sexes
Different Sexualities
LGBT+ in the Media
LGBT+ Around the World
Cultures and Religion
Significant Figures/Role Models
Safe Websites
What to Do About Bullying/a Hate Crime
Bellow is a link to videos that can help you in your meeting
#4 CONSISTANCY
Now that you've started your Community, you'll want to keep it going. The more you advertise, the more the message will spread, and people will come!
Establish some ground rules to create a safe and secure space which will make the community a more comfortable place to be.
Finally, plan for the future! Think ahead, brainstorm activities, and set goals to achieve in the future.