L.P.S. E-Mag 2020 1 | Page 6

LGBTQI+ - continued...

We feel really strongly that if you identify as LGBTQI+ or as a heterosexual (someone who is 'straight' - a boy who fancies girls or a girl who fancies boys) you shouldn't be treated any differently. For us, we feel that what matters most is if someone is a good person or a kind person. We want everyone to be happy with who they are, and feel comfortable to talk about who they are attracted to.

It is really important that if you identify as LGBTQI+ that you know that you are loved and supported by society. We were shocked to read 'Diversity Best Practices' statistics that showed that¼ of LGBT+ employees report hearing derogatory jokes or negative comments such as “that’s so gay.” while at work. This is a confusing thing for people to say - because using the word 'gay' in a sentence like that kind of makes it seem like a bad thing or that it's an insult to be gay - which we know is not the case.

We feel that our generation can lead the way and make changes in our society for the better. Why not speak to others and try to understand who they are, what they believe, how they feel because if we all do that then everyone will understand one another. And as we say at LPS 'Choose Kind'. If you don't understand what someone identifies as - why not ask them what that word means. You will never understand, if you don't try to understand.

Our trip to Duncanrig taught us something - support one another, accept one another, try to understand one another. Overall, be a good friend. If you try to be good and kind then your actions will be good and kind. That's not just about LGBTQI+ issues that's about life really isn't it?

THROUGH OUR INTERVIEW, A DUNCANRIG PUPIL SAID THAT ONE OF THE KINDEST THINGS YOU CAN DO IS USE THE PRONOUN PEOPLE ASK YOU TO USE. THAT IS 'HE', 'SHE', 'HIM', 'HER'. FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE TRANSITIONING OR HAVE TRANSITIONED THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. ANOTHER PUPIL SUGGESTED THAT IF YOU'RE UNSURE OF WHAT PRONOUN TO USE - JUST USE 'THEY' OR 'THEM'.