TIE needs cash to support its work delivering inclusive education in schools

Scottish LGBT charity Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) has launched a national fundraising campaign.

It needs cash to support its work delivering inclusive education in schools.

In a campaign video, below, those involved in the charity explain that they are seeking donations to support their school services, which raise awareness of LGBT history, role models, and equalities with pupils.

TIE has been a huge success over the years - and last year it transformed into a charity.

However, in April it was reported that it was facing funding problems and could close.

Chloe Divers, a member of the charity's Teachers Panel, says that growing up as a lesbian under Section 28 meant that she had "no opportunity to be out at school", but TIE's work now "creates a safer school community" for the pupils she teaches today.

Discussing the fundraising campaign, human rights lawyer and charity trustee Aamer Anwar emphasised the importance of having LGBT educational services in the backdrop of a "sustained backlash" against equality.

He said: "As the world sees a sustained backlash against the LGBT community, as we see demonstrations against LGBT rights outside schools, and as we see LGBT issues remaining a taboo across different faiths and communities, it's time we realised we are fighting for the right to life and the right to love. There can be no complacency and this is a fight we have to win if we are to save lives - it's time for inclusive education."

In 2017, the Scottish Parliament endorsed TIE's proposals for LGBT issues to be taught in schools, and the Scottish Government began to work with the charity to develop policy recommendations. In 2018, Scotland became the first country in the world to adopt LGBT-inclusive education.

A TIE spokesperson said: "At the same time as campaigning for LGBT-inclusive education, we have been delivering it in schools with strong outcomes.

“We know, for example, that 86% of young people who previously held negative views of LGBT people had changed their minds after taking part in our school services. This is why it is so important that we can continue working towards full implementation, and keep our services free.

“With the donations of our supporters, we can confidently continue our core work until a public fund opens: reaching more schools, developing more resources, and taking on more campaigns - so that we can all continue building a better society."

To support the charity, go here.