LGBTQ+ and Allies Club

LGBTQ+ and Allies Club

Penicuik High School is proud to host a popular, safe and successful LGBTQ+ and Allies Club. Pupils meet on a weekly basis and anyone is welcome to join. Here they discuss LGBTQ+ topics, offer advice to others who are struggling with their sexuality or identity, and organise school events that raise awareness and promote equality. The club provides a safe and fun environment to explore LGBTQ+ issues.

The club meet every Wednesday lunchtime at 1.20pm in room 28. We also has a Google Classroom set up for members to join and communicate through. The code is: 34jjz7c

Our club aim is to spread positive vibes while talking about serious subjects/issues about the LGBTQ+ community. Here you will learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. We don’t let anyone feel left out. The friendships that we have made in the group are very close. We accept everyone no matter who you are. We always have fun and create a great opportunity to talk about discrimination that happens surrounding sexuality and gender.

LGBT CHARTER

Penicuik High School is currently working towards achieving LGBT Charter status. You can find out more about this here: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/the-lgbt-charter/the-lgbt-charter-for-schools/

The LGBT Charter helps safeguard lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s human rights, particularly in receipt of services, as customers and at school. These rights draw on international human rights and relevant UK and Scottish legislation and have been developed in consultation with LGBT people about what’s most important to them. 

  1. LGBT people have the right to be themselves and to live free from prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

  2. LGBT people have the right to be kept from harm and be protected from hate crime, bullying and other forms of violence.

  3. LGBT people have the right to be heard, treated fairly and their views and experiences taken into account.

  4. LGBT people have the right to be healthy, with equal access to healthcare, and the impact of prejudice and discrimination on health properly addressed.

  5. LGBT people have the right to form relationships, free from abuse and with equality of recognition.

  6. LGBT people have the right to privacy and information about sexual orientation and gender identity not disclosed to others, without consent to do so.

  7. LGBT people have the right to education that recognises diversity and implements programmes that seek to eliminate prejudice on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

  8. LGBT people have the right to be cared for free from prejudice and discrimination and in every setting.

Find out more about the launch of our journey: https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/news/article/3537/penicuik_high_school_aiming_for_lgbt_charter_status

SUPPORT

If you are a young person (or the parent/carer of a young person) struggling with LGBTQ+ related issues, there are a number of resources available to help both in and out of school. You can speak to one of our LGBT champion staff members, or your Guidance teacher. Your Guidance teacher can also arrange a session with one of our in school Youth Workers.

LGBT Youth Scotland offer online support, live chat and youth groups to support young people. Information about groups and support can be found here: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/groups-and-support/

MYPAS hold a weekly LGBT meeting, as well as offering one to one support and an online group. Details can be found at: https://www.mypas.co.uk/services/lgbt-youth-group/