Inclusivity for All Students

Our students have made the thoughtful decision not to form a specific LGBT+ group, but instead, focus on supporting all students, to respect changing and undisclosed gender identity or sexual orientation. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported within our school community. By fostering an environment of understanding and empathy, we can create a space where all students can thrive, learn, and grow together, celebrating our diversity and building strong bonds of friendship and respect.

Support for LGBT+ Students+

We understand that every student’s journey is unique, and we want to provide the help and support you need as an LGBT+ student or someone questioning their identity. Our school is here to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

You Are Not Alone+

Always remember that you’re not alone in your journey. There are people in our school and community who care about you and want to support you, including friends, family, and school staff.

Understanding LGBT+ Terms+

It’s essential to know and understand different LGBT+ terms like gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression. This knowledge can help you better understand yourself and others, and create an inclusive environment.

Gender Identity is how we feel inside about being a boy, a girl, both, or neither. Some people might be transgender, which means their gender identity doesn’t match the body they were born in. Other people might be non-binary, which means they don’t feel like just a boy or a girl.

Sexual Orientation is who we are attracted to or who we have romantic feelings for. People might be straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, depending on whether they are attracted to people of the opposite gender, the same gender, or both.

Gender Expression is how we show our gender to the world. This might be through the clothes we wear, the way we style our hair, or how we act. Everyone’s gender expression is different, and it’s important to respect and celebrate each other’s unique styles.

Queer is a word that some people in the LGBT+ community use to describe themselves. It can be a way of saying that they don’t fit into traditional ideas about gender and sexuality.

Pronouns are the words we use to refer to someone when we don’t use their name. Common pronouns are he/him, she/her, and they/them. Some people might use different pronouns that match their gender identity. It’s important to respect and use the pronouns that people tell us they prefer, as this shows kindness and understanding.

Safe Spaces and Inclusivity+

We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This includes respecting pronouns, avoiding stereotypes, and challenging discrimination. We want everyone to feel comfortable and supported at school.

Bullying is Not OK+

Bullying and harassment have no place in our school. If you experience or witness bullying, please report it to a trusted adult. We will work together to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Wellbeing and Support+

Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is important. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust, practice self-care, and seek support when you need it. We’re here to help you through your journey.

Coming Out+

If you decide to come out to others about your LGBT+ identity, remember to choose the right time and place, be honest and clear, and be prepared for different reactions. Our school community is here to support you in this brave step.

Together, we can create a school community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Our school is committed to providing pastoral support for all students, including LGBTQ+ students and those questioning their identity. Remember, you’re never alone, and we’re here to help.

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LGBTQ+ Support Services+

There are many support services available for LGBTQ+ young people, including helplines, counselling services, and social groups. These resources can provide additional guidance and support when you need it.

GYRO LGBTQ+ Youth Groups+

GYRO are award winning LGBTQ+ youth groups for children & young people aged 12-25 years, who may be exploring sexuality and/or gender identity. GYRO has existed in some form since 1976 making it one of the oldest LGBTQ+ youth provisions in the country (as far as we can see).

We have a group for secondary school age 12-16 years old.
Every Tuesday- 4.30pm-6pm.

We have a group for college age and up for 16-25 years old.
Every Thursday- 6pm-7.30pm.

About GYRO

GYRO offers age appropriate youth groups for children and young people aged 12-25 years old, who are exploring sexuality or gender identity, or identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or (+) another part of the rainbow family.

There are opportunities to take part in fun activities in our weekly drop-in as well as learn about our wonderful diverse community in age appropriate ways or go on trips out or partner with local artists, performers or organisations to provide unique bespoke activities for our community. Some people that attend are quiet and arty and some are louder and performance minded, all personalities welcome!

How will this service help me?

We know our groups can help you grow confidence, self-esteem, self-acceptance, understanding of diversity and difference, become passionate about your community, feel safe and respected. You can make new friends, learn new things, try new experiences and activities designed to be inclusive of your identity.

Attending an LGBTQ+ youth group like GYRO is a great way to feel less isolated, make new friends with similar identities and grow your self-acceptance and confidence.

The hardest part is coming through the door! We know this can be scary but a member of staff will be there to welcome you in and take you to a confidential space to register with us and give you a chance to ask questions.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline+

Provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone and through Instant Messaging.

At Switchboard we provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.

Here are some of the things people might call us for:
Information about support groups for someone who is struggling with their gender identity.

• Support for a man who has been the victim of homophobic abuse, but has previously had a bad experience going to the police.
• Contact details for an LGBT-friendly therapist.
• Support for a lesbian teenager thrown out of her home by her parents, and who needs somewhere to stay.
• Information on how to get to local gay pubs for someone with mobility issues.
• Times and places for a local bisexual social group.
• Listening to some of the concerns a mother has about her child who is trans.

Can anyone call you?
The majority of those who call are LGBT+ but we also get lots of callers who are considering issues around their sexuality. And then there are friends, parents or family members of LGBT+ loved ones who are looking for some independent advice and support – we welcome them all.

What can I talk about?
We are here to listen to anything that you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits, and if you feel nervous when you hear that strange voice – there’s no rush, take your time.

For over 40 years people have been talking to us about:

• Coming out
• Relationship issues
• Family problems
• Issues at work or college
• Safer sex and sexual health
• Having sex for the first time
• Looking for LGBT+ venues
• LGBT+ social and support groups

How can I access this service?
Telephone or chat via the website

When is this service open?
Phone open 10:00-22:00 every day of the week, 365 days of the year. Chat available from 7pm

How much will it cost me?
Calls to 0300 numbers will cost you the same as calls to 01 and 02 numbers and are included in any call allowances you may have either on a mobile or a landline

Will I have to wait to access this?
The speed with which you are answered can also depend on the number of volunteers available at the time of your call. We try to aim to have more volunteers on shift in the evenings and at weekends when demand is higher. We are also keen for you to use our Instant Messaging service.

Social media:
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Council Area: Liverpool

MindLine Trans+ - helpline+

Helpline for people who identify as trans or non-binary and their family, friends and supporters. It is is a national service open to callers nationwide.

The MindLine Trans+ provides a safe place to talk about your feelings confidentially. We don’t record calls nor ask for any personal details. Our listeners will try understand the multitude of feelings and concerns that may be going on for you. We are here to listen and offer our support.

Volunteers who have lived experience of Trans+ or are Allies respond to your calls as often as possible.

Mindline Trans+ is a national UK wide service operated by Mind in Somerset

Mind also has Infoline for everyone and Legal Advice Line

Website: https://mindlinetrans.org.uk/

What age groups is this for? Any age

What areas of the city is this for?
People from anywhere in the city

How can I access this service? Telephone

When is this service open?
As of 23/2/23 open Friday evenings from 8pm to 11pm

How much will it cost me?
Calls to MindLine Trans+ are inclusive to any contracted minutes that you may have with your phone provider, so there is no cost as long as you have minutes remaining. Outside of any inclusive minutes packages, calls from landlines are charged at approx 3.5p per minute. Costs for mobiles vary dependent on mobile operator, we suggest you confirm this with your operator.

Social media:
Follow Mindline Trans Plus on Facebook and Twitter

Council Area: Liverpool

Mindout - LGBT+ Mental Health Service Online Chat+

An online support service run by and for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans, and queer people.

This service is based in Brighton and Hove. If your query is specific to Liverpool, you might want to try activities for LGBTQ+ people or Services for LGBTQ+ people focused on mental health and other issues

Our online support sessions are run by:

• Trained and experienced LGBTQ online support volunteers
• MindOut’s LGBTQ mental health practitioners, including advocacy workers and counsellors
• External, specialist LGBTQ service providers
• What support can the service offer?
• Emotional and listening support without judgement and unwanted advice or opinions
• Information and signposting in the right direction
• Help you to think about ways to stay safe and develop coping strategies
• General conversation about whatever is on your mind
• Information and access to other MindOut services
• Space to talk through choices and decisions
• Space to reflect and to problem solve
• Contact with LGBTQ people to help you feel less alone or isolated
• An opportunity to share opinions and talk about issues and events that are important to you

Website: https://www.mindout.org.uk/

What age groups is this for? Any age

How can I access this service?  Telephone or email

When is this service open?
Tuesday 15:00 – 17:00,
Wednesday 16:00 – 19:30
Friday 12:00 – 14:00
Saturday 12:00 – 14:00
Sunday 14:00 – 16:00
Monday and Thursday Closed

How much will it cost me?
Free but you need internet access.

Social media:
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Council Area: Liverpool