More than 6,000 schools in the UK get involved in School Diversity Week 2023

More than 6,000 schools across the UK began celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion on Monday, June 26, kicking off School Diversity Week 2023, which runs till June 30.

Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, provides free, ready-to-go resources so that teachers can make their lessons and celebrations LGBTQ+ inclusive in an educational and age appropriate way.

For the first time this year, there are also specific resources for faith schools, SEND school, and bilingual resources in Welsh and English, so that all schools have access to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Resources range from LGBTQ+ inclusive history and geography lessons, to storytime activities with children’s authors to assemblies and school talks from Just Like Us, to fundraisers with Rainbow Ribbons and even a Rainbow Friday dress-up day.

The free resources range from EYFS to KS5 as well as all key subject areas – including posters, lesson plans, assemblies, form time activities and video resources.

Just Like Us’ latest research report, Positive Futures, found that the vast majority of (74%) of LGBTQ+ young adults wish that LGBT+ inclusive education began in primary school or nursery.

It also shows that LGBTQ+ young people who grow up with unsupportive school and home environments are four times as likely to feel ashamed of being LGBTQ+ (41% vs 9%), and are half as likely to feel good about themselves (41% vs 89%).

School staff can sign up for School Diversity Week to access the free resources.

Laura Mackay, new Chief Executive of Just Like Us, said: “It is absolutely wonderful to see how many schools UK-wide are celebrating School Diversity Week and taking meaningful action to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“We know that positive LGBT+ representation in schools is vital for LGBTQ+ young people to feel safe, valued and supported, and also that all pupils, whether they are LGBTQ+ or not, benefit from LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“I am proud that we are able to offer such a broad range of resources to help schools on their inclusion journey, and hope for a future when all young people know that being LGBTQ+ is nothing to be ashamed of.”