The Action

Research conducted by the project team revealed that LGBT young people are at significant health risk due to isolation, fear, stigma, the ‘coming-out’ process, bullying and family rejection. The students considered whether or not Largy College is a safe and accepting place for LGBT students. They want to change attitudes, so that their own school and community is a safer and more inclusive environment for their LGBT friends.

The students worked with their own Principal and teachers initially, and then with teachers outside of their school to find opportunities to deliver their peer education workshops with other students. The team promoted their cause in many innovative and creative ways. They hosted a mock LGBT wedding and organised a ‘Love is Love’ photo campaign; they choreographed a flashmob, held a ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ week and ‘Rainbow Day’ fundraiser and persuaded Clones Film Festival to include a LGBT themed film in its programme.

In preparation for the marriage equality referendum, a ‘Get Registered 
to Vote’ Campaign was run with 6th years. The team also performed an adaptation of the play ‘The Blame Game’ to highlight homophobic bullying at the Garage Theatre youth drama festival.

The Impact

LGBT - Let’s Get By Together will continue to run peer education classes next year to keep homophobic bullying on the agenda.  They will also hold an annual Random Acts of Kindness week to promote acceptance, friendship and inclusivity. The team will continue to raise awareness of this issue through social media.