LGBTQ+ Quality Mark
4th March 2024
Almost 40 schools across Ireland have been awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. These are the first schools to finish the 18-month journey to embed LGBTQ+ inclusion across their school community, policies and practices.
The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is run by Belong To, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation.
Students, teachers and principals from 37 schools came together to receive their award at a celebratory event at The Foundry, Google Headquarters in Dublin. The event was hosted by Presenter and Podcaster, James Kavanagh.
The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative is a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion in post-primary schools that involves the whole school community.
Over the course of 18 months, schools are supported in implementing evidence-based actions across a number of key areas, which research shows improves the wellbeing and safety of LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark was created with support from Google.org.
Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia remain a significant challenge for LGBTQ+ students.
In Ireland, 76% of LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school. The schools involved in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark have worked tirelessly to create an environment where all students feel safe and supported.
Speaking at the recent event, Jack Chambers (he/him), Minister of State and TD for Dublin West, said:
“I am delighted to join students, teachers and principals from schools across Ireland as they receive their LGBTQ+ Quality Mark today. Belong To’s LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognises the importance of schools being places where members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe and supported.
We know that a supportive school environment can have a hugely beneficial impact on the wellbeing and attainment of LGBTQ+ students. Together, we need to address the anti-LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination that remains prevalent in our society.
The Government is committed to ensuring the safety, equality and inclusion of all students, including our LGBTQ+ students, by creating safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for all.”
Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO, Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland said:
“School can be a difficult place for LGBTQ+ students, but that does not have to be the case.
There are outstanding schools committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students. The positive impact of inclusion and visibility allows students to live healthy lives and thrive at school. Today is about celebrating 37 brilliant schools who have shown leadership and outstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through participation in the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark. I want to thank the entire school community in each of these schools and, in particular, recognise the incredible efforts of each LGBTQ+ Quality Mark Coordinator and Principal.
Thank you for showing up for LGBTQ+ students and for demonstrating commitment, courage and leadership.
Congratulations on being the first schools in Ireland to receive the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark!”
Speaking at the event David Sneddon (he/him), Vice President, Google Ireland said, “Google Ireland and Google.org are immensely proud to support Belong To’s outstanding work on LGBTQ+ inclusion within Ireland’s education system. With the support of a Google.org grant, Belong To’s LGBTQ+ Quality Mark initiative has empowered incredible schools across Ireland and demonstrates the far-reaching impact of placing inclusion at the core of education. We congratulate this year’s ‘graduates’ and wish those currently taking part in the programme the best of luck.”
