TIE won the 2019 Amplifying Unheard Voices title at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s 2019 National Campaigner Awards
Scottish LGBT charity Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) scooped a UK campaigning award at a prestigious ceremony.
TIE won the 2019 Amplifying Unheard Voices title at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation’s 2019 National Campaigner Awards for its work around securing LGBT-inclusive education.
Jordan Daly and Liam Stevenson, who founded the charity, believe that LGBT history, role models and equalities should be taught in schools in order to tackle prejudice and bullying.
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.
This led to Scotland becoming the first country in the world to adopt LGBT-inclusive education.
The charity’s win comes as protests are underway outside of some English schools which have been teaching about LGBT rights and equalities.
Speaking of the win, a TIE spokesperson said: “In Scotland, we dared to campaign for something which some deemed impossible - LGBT-inclusive education in all state schools.
“After three years, we delivered: our country is now the first in the world to embed LGBT inclusion across the curriculum. Scottish young people will now learn about LGBT rights, equalities, and history - which we believe will tackle homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic prejudice and bullying in schools.
“Given the current climate in England, with protests happening outside of some schools which are teaching about LGBT rights and equalities, we hope that our success in Scotland can send a strong message that progress and change is always possible with determination and passion.
“Ultimately, education must reflect the diverse society in which we live; in order that all young people are given the knowledge and the confidence to be themselves.’’
SMK’s chief executive Sue Tibballs said: ‘The SMK Campaigner Awards are a unique opportunity to celebrate some of the most inspiring, innovative and often courageous people who are speaking out to effect change. Our communities are fairer, safe, kinder and more tolerant as a result.”
