Just Like Us launches a fundraiser this holiday season
BY YASMIN VINCE, YEVGEN BUZUK VIA CANVA
Imagine you’re an LGBTQIA child at school. You’ve done one of the bravest things you can do and told your schoolmates that you are queer, but that has all ended in constant bullying. As the Christmas period begins, everyone starts to talk about community and togetherness, but you just feel alone. The LGBTQIA young people’s charity Just Like Us are working to change this and make schools more inclusive. To help, you can now donate to their Christmas fundraising appeal.
The charity is asking for support to make sure young LGBTQIA people grow up in inclusive environments. Donations can help the group train more ambassadors to share their stories in schools, provide free resources for teachers to create inclusive lessons and expand their School Diversity Week to make sure every student has a chance to see themselves represented.
LGBTQIA school children are twice as likely to be bullied than their peers. Just Like Us is working to change this and empower young LGBTQIA people by ensuring schools are inclusive, understanding and supportive.
One LGBTQIA school pupil told Just Like Us: “If you don’t have a home life where people are accepting of being LGBTQIA, you need it to be accepted at school so you know it’s OK.”
Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, the LGBTQIA young people’s charity, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work we do, improving the lives of young people by making sure that they know that diversity and difference are things to be celebrated, not hidden. Our research has shown that supportive environments for LGBTQIA young people at home and at school result in vastly improved outcomes in all areas of their lives, from their mental health, to their relationships with others, to their career prospects.
“Sadly, as we reach the end of 2024, there are still thousands of young people across the UK who still don’t have access to truly inclusive school environments. They need change urgently, and you can help us make that wish come true.”
Just Like Us is the LGBTQIA young people’s charity. You can donate to Just Like Us’ Christmas appeal here.
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