Wexford secondary school highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ respect and awareness

Stand-Up Awareness Week is a time for post-primary schools, youth services and Youthreach centres in Ireland to join us and take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

The campaign, spearheaded by Belong To, revealed that one in five young LGBTQ+ people face bullying and that 76 per cent of LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school. As such, this week is an opportunity for schools to receive resources and information towards creating a safe and inclusive space for all their students.

Principal Iain Wickham said that this year's theme, 'Community,' was at the heart of the week's activities, underscoring the importance of building a supportive and safe environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This year's Stand-Up Week was especially significant as the school is in the process of obtaining its Quality Mark from Belong To. The Quality Mark recognises schools that go above and beyond to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students. They had a visit from the educational officer from Belong To on Monday to check in on their progress.

"The week kicked off as usual with the raising of our progressive pride flag, raised this year by our Deputy Principal Ms Tina Merriman and a Transition year student Ryan Kacey Fox. The school community comes out to cheer on the raising of the flag. Throughout the week all year groups take part in a presentation, this is aimed at opening up a conversation on equality and inclusivity within the wider community," he said.

On Tuesday, November 5, Ms Flynn held an Open Mic event in the library where students were invited to sing a song, recite a poem, rap, or read a piece that meant something to them and the LGBTQ+ community which was attended by a number of students.

Cllr Aidan Browne also came for a visit and sat down for a meeting with their LGBTQ+ students council to address issues around inclusivity and safety in the town of Enniscorthy. The meeting was a huge success and plans have been put in place to address some issues.

Throughout the week there was a poster competition from exceptionally talented students, a bake sale in aid of an LGBTQ+ charity and a rainbow disco in the canteen Friday lunchtime.

"Overall, this was a week that not only celebrated our LGBTQ+ students but listened and learned from them how to create a more safe and inclusive space not only in our school but in the whole community," he added.