Workshop for Norwich Pride 2013

Friday 26th July, 3pm

The Vernon Castle Training Room in the Millennium Library

The Stonewall Report 2012 proves that Homophobic Bullying continues to be endemic in Britains schools. More than half of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils have experienced direct bullying. Meanwhile, almost all gay young people hear the phrases 'that's so gay' or 'you're so gay' in school and 96% of gay pupils hear homophobic language such as poof or lezza. This has a profoundly damaging impact on young peoples school experience. One in three gay pupils experiencing bullying change their future educational plans because of it and three in five say it impacts directly on their school work. Gay people who are bullied are at a higher risk of suicide, self-harm and depression. But what is the picture in Norfolk?

The National Union of Teachers have spent three months surveying schools about the levels of Homophobic bullying here in Norfolk. Every school has been contacted and the results from the survey will be revealed at the start of the meeting. This will be crucial information to analyse as we move forward. Whatever the survey tells us next Friday, we do know however that there is a great deal of good practise going on in Norfolk and teachers want to do something about the shocking national statistics. The rest of the meeting will be spent discussing strategies to not only challenge homophobia, but celebrate diversity and learn to celebrate all of our students.

This will be a practical and inclusive workshop, aimed at teachers but open to anyone interested. Our guest speaker is Tony Fenwick, co-chair of Schools Out and LGBT History Month. Tony was recently voted one of the most inspirational LGBT people in the country by the Independent on Sunday.

For more information contact Nick O'Brien
President Norwich and District NUT and Education Officer for Norwich Pride