Belong To’s Stand Up Awareness Week is back for 2025, running from November 3 to 7. The annual initiative invites post-primary schools, Youth Reach centres and youth services across Ireland to create welcoming, inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ young people and to take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
It is anticipated that 75% of post-primary schools across Ireland will take part in this year’s campaign. Schools nationwide will host events including talks, presentations and tailored lessons exploring LGBTQ+ topics and fostering respect and acceptance.
This year’s theme is ‘Bí Cineálta’ and encourages a proactive, whole-school approach to inclusion as a key strategy for preventing bullying. A comprehensive guide to the Belong To Stand Up Awareness Week, available in both English and Irish on their website, outlines the aims of the campaign and offers practical ideas and resources for participating settings.
Findings from the 2022 School Climate Survey by Columbia University and Belong To highlight the ongoing need for such anti-bullying campaigns: 76% of LGBTQ+ students in Ireland reported feeling unsafe at school, 69% had heard homophobic slurs from peers, 86% experienced deliberate exclusion, and 58% had heard homophobic remarks from school staff.
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee emphasised the importance of inclusive practice, stating, “Every child and young person deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in school… I’d like to commend the efforts of every school, teacher and principal that has taken part in Stand Up Awareness Week and other inclusive initiatives over the last 16 years.”
Belong To CEO Moninne Griffith added, “Every young person in Ireland should feel safe to shine… Schools play a pivotal role in this – they are environments where young people spend a crucial time of self-discovery and development.”
One group taking part this year is LGBTQ+ rugby club Emerald Warriors. Speaking on the club’s role in promoting inclusive sports, Emerald Warriors Club President Gary Gaughan said, “We honour our responsibility to the younger generation by participating in initiatives like Belong To’s Stand Up Week. While working towards a future where inclusivity is the norm in all rugby clubs.”
Stand Up Awareness Week 2025 continues to champion a safer, more supportive future for LGBTQ+ youth across Ireland.
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