The importance of role models

Ruth Hunt – Director of Public AffairsLiam Nolan – Head, Perry Beaches School

Chair – Luke Tryl, Senior Education Officer

Relevance of sexual orientationNot just a private issue

• It’s a depressing thing to have to do, to have to shield and hide parts of yourself and not be fully who you are at work. I think that kills your creativity. It’s just this whole other thing you have to constantly think about and remember to keep under wraps.

Paula

• The person I am at work now is me rather than a doctored version of me. If you’re not 100% yourself then how can you be 100% involved and 100% committed and putting 100% in? It’s not that I wasn’t working hard before but there’s no detachment or reservation now where there was before.

Sally

People perform better when they can be themselves:•Efficient•Confident•Form better relationships•Creative•Motivated•Enjoy going to work and enjoy where they work

Being ourselves‘Who we are really matters to what we do and how we do it.’ Sheldon

•‘Bringing your whole self’ being who you are, more often and more effectively is a good thing.•Consistency with examined values and behaviour•People notice when you show up…or don’t•Interested in others – authenticity is about more than the individual•Not always about being out – choice making

When working with young people, it’s not always about being out:

•As a lesbian I feel we need more fairy liquid.•As a gay man, I’m concerned about the maths results.•As a bisexual person, I’d like to know what we’re doing about the gangs.

It is relevant when:

•You don’t feel able to suggest that someone might be being bullied because they are gay.•Your school newsletter celebrates a colleagues marriage but no-one knows about your civil partnership.•You hope your boss doesn’t find out you’re gay because she’s responsible for your career development.

What needs to be in place:

•Clear support to be out•A culture that values role models•Anti-bullying policies that are shared across the organisation•Visible senior support•Discrimination not tolerated

Liam Nolan

» What is a role model?» How am I a role model?» What do I need to be a role model?» What do I expect from others?

What a role model isn’t:

– On a pedestal– Perfect– Always senior– Heroic/ extraordinary– Inspiring for everyone– That same as all other role models

Questions for you:1. Describe a ‘bad’ role model2. Describe a ‘good’ role model3. Do you consider yourself a role model

Practical steps

– The law and being out– Being a governor– Volunteering in local groups– Stonewall Youth Leader

Practical steps

Being a sponsor, not just a role model

www.stonewall.org.uk/rolemodels