Rossie has started the journey to achieve the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Charter via LGBT Youth Scotland.
The LGBT Charter helps safeguard lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s human rights. These rights draw on international human rights and relevant UK and Scottish legislation and have been developed with the help of LGBT people about what’s most important to them.
A staff and young people’s survey took place to get their views and how we can best support them to ensure Rossie is an inclusive organisation. We took these results and created an action plan to ensure the changes and work we do will have real meaning and impact for everyone.
As part of our Charter journey we planned events during Anti Bullying Week (United Against Bullying) and again for Human Rights Day, which incorporated work around LGBT rights as well as our Rights Respecting Schools programme.
We also reviewed our policies to ensure they comply with the Equality Act (2010) and Human Rights Act (1998).
Next year, we will be running training and education workshops around LGBT awareness, and we’ll review our admission process to ensure all young people feel included, safe and welcomed as soon as they arrive at Rossie.
We will build relationships with local LGBT groups and communities to ensure all young people can have access to supports and forums and are not excluded whilst their home is at Rossie.
Being awarded our LGBT Charter enables Rossie to show it is a champion of LGBT inclusion where LGBT employees, customers, and young people will be safe, supported and included.
Want to know more?
We found these links the most helpful:
https://lgbt.foundation/helpline
The LGBT Foundation exists to support the needs of the diverse range of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans, where all LGBT people can achieve their full potential.
MindOut is a project run by and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer people. Their staff, volunteers and board of trustees are all LGBTQ.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-and-support-for-lgbt-people
Government support and resources
Support for young people up to the age of 19
https://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/
Stonewall Scotland are here to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone. They partner with organisations to help create real change for the better.
https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/lgbt-helpline-scotland/
Established in 2003, LGBT Health and Wellbeing works to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland. They provide support services, social events and develop resources so LGBT people can address the health issues that impact their lives and connect with their local communities.
LGBT Youth is Scotland’s national charity for LGBTI young people, working with 13–25 year olds across the country. They also deliver the LGBT Charter programme to schools, organisations and businesses. Their goal is to make Scotland the best place to grow up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people. They play a leading role in the provision of quality youth work to LGBTI young people that promotes their health and wellbeing, and are a valued and influential partner in LGBTI equality and human rights.
https://www.scottishtrans.org/
The Scottish Trans Alliance project (Scottish Trans for short) has been funded by the Scottish Government Equality Unit since 2007. They assist transgender people, service providers, employers and equality organisations to engage together to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland.
https://www.tiecampaign.co.uk/our-work
Tie Campaign is a Scottish volunteer charity which has one aim: to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools with LGBT-inclusive education.
We believe that LGBT history, role models & equalities education should be taught within all schools in order to tackle prejudice and bullying.
SWITCHBOARD – http://www.switchboard.lgbt/ LGBT+ helpline (0300 330 0630).
A safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing.
MERMAIDS – https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/
Mermaids supports gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care.
GENDERED INTELLIGENCE – http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/
Gendered Intelligence (GI) is a trans-led charity working across the UK. Originally a Community Interest Company, its aim is to increase understandings of gender diversity. It works with the trans community and those who impact on trans lives; specialising in supporting young trans people aged 8-25.
ALLSORTS – https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/
Allsorts Youth Project listens to, supports & connects children & young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure (LGBTU) of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Some toolkits and guides:
- A JOURNEY WITHOUT A MAP: being a parent of a trans child
https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5888a640d61795123f8192db/5ee0bfaf1afffb0c3dab69f2_AllsortsYouthProject%20-%20A%20Journey%20WIthout%20A%20Map.pdf - A ‘Coming Out’ Resource for Young People who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (+) or Unsure/Questioning their Sexual Orientation
https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5888a640d61795123f8192db/5ef9d5ba8647a647a723511a_Allsorts%20of%20Coming%20Out%20Final-compressed.pdf - ALL SORTS OF FAITH: a collection of writings by LGBT+ people of faith
https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5888a640d61795123f8192db/5f4fa4d59b6ca73eb52ed3ae_Allsorts%20of%20Faith%20Resource.pdf
- Top tips for working with trans and gender questioning young people
https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5888a640d61795123f8192db/5ee0c11822791576d62f98c4_AllsortsYouthProject%20-%20Top%20Tips%20Booklet%20v2.pdf