What is the Award?
The Rainbow Flag Award is a national quality assurance framework for all schools and youth-centred organisations. The award focuses on positive LGBTQ+, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, plus other related identities), inclusion and visibility.
The Rainbow Flag Award encourages a whole organisation approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBTQ phobic bullying.
This supports our students by:
- Providing an awareness that people live their lives in different ways;
- Acknowledging that it is usual to have families of different dynamics;
- Acknowledging that it is usual to be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans;
- Having an awareness that if we use these terms in a negative way, it can hurt people’s feelings;
- Avoiding the prejudiced use of stereotypes;
- Confidence / reassurance to be who they want to be.
A video about the Rainbow Flag Award is linked below;
Why is Aspire Committed to Achieving this Award?
Committing your school or organisation to the Rainbow Flag Award is a commitment to improve the lives of all the young people that you work with, as well as the LGBTQ+ young people in your care, those from LGBTQ+ families, and LGBTQ+ staff members.
- It is an element of safeguarding – inclusivity, anti-bullying and equality.
- We are all responsible for creating and ensuring an inclusive school environment for everyone.
At Aspire:
- We will empower the students to feel safe in our school community;
- We will ensure students feel respected;
- We will ensure that if students wish to talk, they will be listened to;
- We will improve the visibility of LGBTQ+ across our school community and curriculum;
- We will encourage our students to be respectful and inclusive of all those around them in their communities
The Law
The law applies to all schools including academies. Compliance with the Equality Duty is a legal requirement, and central to the Ofsted Framework.
It is unlawful to discriminate against people who identify with any protected characteristic(s) – including gender reassignment and sexual orientation.
How Do We Achieve the Award
Claire Boyton and Olivia Hunter-Robinson will lead on this award and work with staff and pupils to evidence the 6 standards.
- The Skilled Teacher
- Supportive Governors and Parents
- Effective policies
- Inclusive Curriculum
- Pastoral Support
- Pupil Voice
How to Challenge LGBTQ+ Phobic Behaviour
Organisational Response
We treat everyone with respect here and when you say that it’s disrespectful and unkind
Questioning Response
What makes you think / say that?
Confronting Response
You might not think that remark is offensive, but many would. Your experience isn’t universal
Personal Response
Homophobic / biphobic / transphobic language offends me. I don’t want to hear it again
Local Support
Lollipop
Lollipop supports LGBT+ people who are between the ages of 13 and 19. The group meets Wednesday 6:00pm – 8:00pm every other week in Beverley town centre. LOOK group (Loving Our Out Kids) parental support group meets on the first Thursday of the month 6:00pm – 7:30pm in Beverley. The helpline is open weekdays, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Email: lollipop@eastriding.gov.uk
Tel: 01482 392200
Cornerhouse
Cornerhouse (Yorkshire) is a Young People's service offering support in Hull and East Yorkshire. They offer a range of services for the LGBT community including access to condoms and lubricant, information, one to one offering support on coming out, sexuality, HIV and gender issues and support in reporting hate crimes.
Website: www.wearecornerhouse.org
Step Out
Step Out is an LGBT+ youth group for 13-16 years old to socialise and find support. They meet every Tuesday 4.30 – 6pm, Hull City Centre
Email: vivblackledge@wearecornerhouse.org
Text: 07580 417577
Shout Group
A safe and confidential space for LGBT+ young people between the ages of 14 and 25. They offer a space to have a laugh, get support and meet new friends.
Tel: 01482 218115
Email: faymarsden@thewarren.org
National Support
