Poole Grammar Teacher Training

Yesterday, Space traveled to Poole Grammar School to deliver its Anti homophobic, biphobic and transphobic training to approximately 70 teaching staff. It was great to see Space's leaflets and poster in the Reception upon our arrival!

Initially nervous being apart of the delivery of the assembly it was great to see a familiar face in one of the teaching staff, originally from St Edward's. Also, Mr Chase made us feel incredibly welcome and helped calm any nerves or worries I had.

It was amazing to see Space in action, proving that the work we do is so vital in supporting everyone, both staff and students, in being true to themselves.

Covering a wide range of topics from rainbow alliances to defining what equality and diversity means the presentation was incredibly informative and relevant. Part of the presentation was using Space's 'equality game' were members of staff are given a persona, for example, an older gay man or a transgender woman and they were asked to step forward or backward depending on the statement read out, which could limit the person from doing certain activities such as, travelling to any country in the world without being discriminated, or worse.

Even though the activity was a game, I think this really puts into perspective how important protecting and supporting LGBT+ people is and overall, fighting for equality so no one has to stand at the back of the line...

Cameron 

Trans Youth Network Conference

On Saturday 11th November, Ollie, Eli and Helen travelled to London to attend the annual Trans Youth Network Conference. This year's focus at the conference was 'Trans Representation in the Media'. There were interesting workshops focusing on the topic of media like, 'How the media changes our opinions about ourselves' and 'Tackling Hate Crime Online'. There was a panel, among were people such as Jake Graf and Hannah Winterbourne, who had an interesting insight on the topic and gave great advice to those who asked. 

We all had a lovely day and made new friendships!

"It was a very informative, invigorating, and inspiring and great to see so many young, trans people coming together and being proud. I took away enthusiasm and learnt of all the resources we could use as teaching tools in our work. I'd love to come again with more young people getting interested and involved," - Helen  

Preparing for Trans Day of Rememberance

We've been decorating jars at group for Trans Remembrance Day.

We will be holding a candle vigil in Bournemouth Triangle on Sunday 19th November to commemorate those who have lost their life 

Generations' X, Y & Z - What's the difference

Over the past few years terminology, that some of us might not necessarily understand, has been used to describe people born in different times of the 20th and 21st century. Not only do the terms Generation(s) X, Y & Z determine when you where born but the traits of your personality, how you shop, family life, political interest and your views on specific topics and how others influence you.

In this blog, I will attempt to explain the differences between the three main generations that are often brought up in the media, (Gen' X, Y & Z)...

Generation X: (Some Space staff)
Born: 1966 - 1976
Current population (approx.): 41 million
Description: This generation is more often than none referred as the 'lost' generation where many children were exposed to an increase number in divorces within their families. Also, they were the generation with the lowest voting participation of any generation. Also generation X are also characterized by high levels of scepticism - having the attitude 'what's in it for me'. Moreover, the fact that this generation were exposed to high levels of divorce this ultimately influenced how they would shape their own families.

They were the most educated generation with 29% getting a bachelors degree, now forming families with higher levels of maturity, caution and pragmatism than their parents demonstrated. The main concern for this generation as parents is avoiding kids with broken homes, children growing up without parents and financial planning is key.

Generation Y: (Most Space staff)
Born: 1977-1994
Current population (approx.): 71 million
Description: They are known to be incredibly sophisticated technology wise, immune to most traditional forms of marketing. They are also more ethnically and racially diverse. Also, they are considered to be less brand loyal due to the introduction of the internet. They are often raised as dual income or single parent families.

Generation Z: (Space members)
Born: 1995-2002
Current population (approx.): 23 million and increasing rapidly
They will be the most diverse generation ever and influenced by high levels of technology giving an increase in more opportunities within different sectors for this generation. Gen Z will grow up with a highly sophisticated media and computer environment, more internet savvy. Generation Z has yet to fully establish itself...

Day 1 at Space HQ on work experience

Today I returned to Space HQ, no longer as an admin volunteer, but on my work experience placement as a College Student! So thrilled to be back, and reassuringly not much has changed. Sarah's desk is still a mess, the unicorn froot loops are still in their box exactly where they were when I left in September and the amount of 'stuff' on the shelves above me has most definitely doubled however, we do have a  new addition to Space HQ, Florence the flamingo (Sarah's new watering can)...

On a more serious note, I've actually had a very productive day... Completed a risk assessment of the office equipment, updated our Supernova folder, working on a project to link older LGBTQ+ people with members of Space and tidied the office!

Glad to be back with familiar faces at Space HQ and completing my work experience with Sarah, Helen and Florence. Have a peachy week! Toodle-pip!

Cameron

Evening...

 It's a lovely view from the Space Youth Project office today, we hope everyone's wrapping up warm and hope to see people at groups this week!

Ferndown Assembly

Speech at ferndown upper school

Friday, 10/11/17 

Today I went back to my old upper school where I had been for 5 and a half years. Every teacher had seen me throughout my transition and have really supported me. I left last year to move onto a new college and course. I first did my talk there in 2015 after coming out. The talk today was for the year 9s who have come up from middle school. I came out in 2015 and at school was treated like any other guy.

Ferndown Upper School was a place I truly found myself. At the presentation today, we spoke about allies and standing up and speaking if you see something wrong. We showed a short film showing you should always stand up when you see something wrong and to support your LGBT allies. It also showed that you shouldn't always follow your friends opinion especially if it is homophobic or transphobic.

After the short film, Sarah introduced me to year 9 and I began my talk. I felt nervous before but once I knew all my old teachers had come to see I wanted to read it proudly to leave a positive impact on the school. After I finished reading there was an applause which I didn't expect. From doing the talk and see all the teachers that have helped me through my journey in discovering who I really am.

When I'd said bye to my friends and teachers, we left to go outside. As we got to the car, Sarah and Michael had noticed a rainbow going straight across the school. A nice finish to a great morning!

My talk focuses on how the school have helped me develop as a person throughout the years of being there. The staff guided me and supported me after the year off and built up my confidences step by step. They are a true blessing to the school and amazing people as a whole.