February is LGBT History Month - Ideas for Primary Schools 2015

February 2015 will be the tenth Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History (LGBT) month. This is an opportunity for schools to recognise the massive contribution that LGBT people have made in our society, usually whilst having to spend their life denying their true identity. It is also an opportunity to explore issues around homophobia and homophobic bullying. This year's theme is History. There are lots of opportunities to explore, discuss and examine the lives of people who have come before us, those who have made an impact on the way that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people can live their lives today. We want your school to get involved in activities during the month to raise awareness of LGBT issues for all and to demonstrate your acceptance and support for young LGBT people in your school. This pack will help your school to do this.

Norfolk is proud to be part of Stonewall's Education Champions Programme which guides and supports local authorities in helping schools celebrate difference especially challenging homophobia and developing pro-active healthy relationship work. Rita Adair, Senior Lead Educational Psychologist co-ordinates this programme. Last year we entered Stonewall's national Equality Index 2014 and came 8th out of 45 Local Authorities in Britain! Feedback from Stonewall praised our Celebrating difference - challenging homophobia training. Since 2012, over 850 people have been trained. This includes about 74 primary, 14 secondary, 4 special schools, 1 PRU and 43 organisations. In addition hundreds of children have been taught how to respond to derogatory name calling such as 'You're so gay!'

If you need further advice or training on challenging homophobia and homophobic bullying generally please contact Rita Adair - 01603 307567 or rita.adair@norfolk.gov.uk If your school would like to be involved or informed about the Challenging Homophobia Partnership Group which meets twice termly please advise Rita as well as the activities you deliver this LGBT History month.