Equality and Diversity
Equality is about ensuring everybody has equal opportunity. People should not discriminated against because of their characteristics.
Diversity is about recognising the differences between people and groups of people. It places a positive value on those differences.
This page has some useful resources.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex +
Easy read guides
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has produced some Easy Read Guides for
LGBTQI+ people with disabilities.
You can find the information on the SCIE website.
Anti Bullying Alliance - Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Targeted Bullying
Targeted Bullying
In February 2020, the Anti Bullying Alliance consulted with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people to find out about their experiences of bullying in school as part of a project delievered with Friends, Families and Travellers and funded by The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
Their main finding was that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people experience high levels of bullying and exclusion in schools, have lower attainment levels and are among those most likely to be excluded from school (Equality & Human Rights Commission, 2016).
Gender
Gender identity
If your child is experiencing discomfort or uncertainty about their gender identity, and it's causing distress, it's important they talk to an adult they can trust.
Options include parents, who may be much more supportive than you expect. Schools and colleges are now much more aware of trans and gender identity issues, are keen to support young people and have a duty to do so.
If your child doesn’t feel able to talk to someone they already know, there are several charities and local gender support groups they can talk to. Many have trained counsellors they can speak to in confidence. You can find a list of charities and support groups here.
There is NHS help available for teenagers who need support around gender.
If you have strong and continuing feelings of identifying as a gender that is not the one you were assigned at birth, and are distressed about this, there are various options available. These include talking therapy and hormone treatment and, after 18 years of age, surgery if appropriate.
Your GP, other health professional, school, or a gender support group may refer you to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
This NHS service specialises in helping young people up to the age of 18 with gender identity issues. It takes referrals from anywhere in England. Its principal clinics are in London and Leeds.