To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, North Hertfordshire College’s students were joined virtually by ambassadors from the LGBTQ+ youth charity, Just Like Us!
During the sessions, students from across our campuses listened to the ambassadors discuss their own experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The talks included anecdotes and stories about their identities, their experiences growing up, and the positive role models that they look up to. They also highlighted a number of support services that are open to LGBTQ+ people and provide a safe space for anything they’re struggling with.
Katie, one of our students, said: “The Just Like Us volunteers were fantastic in sharing their experiences as young people growing up and trying to figure out their identity. It really helped me to listen to people from different cultural backgrounds who faced courage in coming out as gay to their friends.”
The talks also helped some of our students to understand and embrace parts of their own identities. One student who asked to remain anonymous told us: “When the speaker said that they were unsure about their non-binary identity, I could really relate to this, and it helped me feel seen.”
As well as exploring the experience of growing up as LGBTQ+, the sessions also featured information on how everyone can come together to support the community – regardless of their sexual orientation. Our students learnt about how to be good allies, including how to stand up to and prevent homophobic behaviour.
The sessions have inspired and motivated our students to help make a difference by registering with the charity themselves. NHC student Callum told us: “After the talk, I signed up to be a Just Like Us ambassador. Soon, I’ll be going into schools or joining the online presentations to talk about the LGBTQ+ community experience, like how the two ambassadors did for us in their online sessions.”
Tara Campling, one of North Hertfordshire College’s Personal and Academic Development (PAD) tutors, said: “The Just Like Us talks were beneficial for both my students and me, as it explored a range of areas related to the LGBTQ+ community and pronouns. It was a great way to build our understanding and help us create a more inclusive society.
“It was particularly helpful hearing anecdotes from young people within the LGBTQ+ community, as it added a personal element which was engaging. It was also interesting hearing the contrast between their coming out stories, due to the differences in culture and backgrounds. The talks were a great way for students who identify as LGBTQ+ to feel heard and helped educate those who may not have been too familiar with this topic prior to the session.”
Thank you to Just Like Us for taking the time to speak to our students!
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