News

CEO update: March

By Matt Garvey

Celebrating our new look

By Diversity Role Models Team

Introducing…our new logo! Our starburst has had an upgrade. Now with the inclusion of the six core Pride Flag colours and smaller circle spokes representing the full LGBTQ+ flag. As our CEO, Matt Garvey, explains, with this new logo ‘we wanted to reaffirm our commitment to ending bullying on the basis of gender identity or sexuality.'

Reach Out this #AntiBullyingWeek

By Amanda Whiteside

This year, the theme for Anti Bullying Week is ‘Reach Out’. At Diversity Role Models we know how most victims of bullying suffer in silence. They are often ashamed at being bullied and unsure of who can help them. That means the bullying can go on for a long time with drastic consequences for the victim.

How to identify bullying, challenge it and protect the victim

By Matt Garvey

For Anti Bullying Week 2022 Diversity Role Models’ focus is on being an ‘Upstander’ rather than a ‘Bystander’. An Upstander has the confidence to identify bullying, challenge it, and protect the victim. They aren’t just against bullying, they are anti-bullying.

My DRM Journey

In 2010, I first learned of the soon to be Diversity Role Models. I was immediately struck by the necessity of the charity and how it linked so very well to my own area of expertise – citizenship education. To break down barriers and misconceptions, to teach others about difference while connecting them with what we all share.

An end of September message from our CEO

By Matt Garvey

While in my lifetime the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals have significantly improved, the anti-trans rhetoric being pushed today demonstrates how the struggle for full equality is far from over. The anti-LGBTQ+ messages pushed by people in powerful positions undoubtedly impact upon kids and teenagers in education. As these messages saturate the media, they can provide encouragement to those who feel it is acceptable to bully others on the basis of their identity. Worse, for those who might be LGBTQ+ it creates an environment where they feel isolated, excluded and fearful of coming out.

Youth Mental Health Day

By Jay Ersapah

Today is Youth Mental Health Day, and a quote that has always resonated with me is: “you can’t be what you can’t see.” Because not ‘seeing’ did affect my own mental health growing up.

Things I never expected to learn as a DRM facilitator

I’ve been a volunteer facilitator with DRM for about eight months; I’ve run about 6 in-person sessions and 3 online ones, and it has been fabulous! I’ve learned so much, had inspiring experiences, and been tremendously heartened by the reception we have received.

Reflections on the journeys of empire.

By Nimerta Virdee

This year’s South Asian Heritage month theme hits close to home for me. My very being in this world, is a direct result of separate journeys taken by my grandparents and parents on both sides of my family, which were journeys shaped by Empire. It’s a story that makes that age-old question, “where are you from”, slightly trickier to answer.

Biphobia in schools and the workplace

By Matt Garvey

It stuck in my mind how, even in this far more progressive age, being bisexual seems more likely to be considered a phase rather than a defined identity in its own right. This idea of sexuality being described as a phase is perhaps something some young people have had to endure when discovering their own identity. It's an age-old insult that many in the queer family experience but which may persist longer for bi people.