Tackling bigoted bullies

HOMOSEXUALITY and homophobic bullying will be explored by Llanelli schoolchildren during a series of workshops aimed at stamping out bigoted behaviour in Carmarthenshire.

Students from Coedcae, Ysgol y Strade and Queen Elizabeth High schools will take part in the initiative, which aims to tackle discrimination against minority groups.

The first of these, due to take place today, will see top Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens telling pupils about his experiences of being gay.

Mr Owens, from Pontyberem, said: "It's such a big taboo to be gay in my line of work, I had to think very hard about coming out because I didn't want to jeopardise my career.

"Coming out was very difficult, and I tried to live with who I really was for years. I knew I was different from my late teens, but I was just living a lie.

"Now, in taking my experience to young people in Carmarthenshire, I hope to help them understand there is no need for anyone to feel isolated and that they have to suffer in silence.

"People should be allowed to be themselves and be honest with themselves without feeling there is anything wrong with them."

The innovative scheme, the Safe Space programme, has been developed by the Swansea-based LGBT Excellence Centre — a charity that aims to help lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

It aims to support higher education students and help them understand sexual orientation and gender identity issues through theatre, video, presentations, games, group and pair work, competitions and networking.

The first workshop in Carmarthenshire takes place today as part of Anti-Bullying Week at Ysgol Coedcae, with guest speaker Mr Owens who is being used as a role model for young gay students.

Federico Podeschi, managing director of the LGBT Excellence Centre Wales, added: "We are very excited to take our Safe Space programme to Carmarthenshire, and help the council tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying.

"It is extremely encouraging to see that sexual orientation is no longer a taboo when it comes to helping people understand equality and diversity. Young people can then be at ease with themselves and each other no matter what their background, make-up or lifestyle."

Councillor Ieuan Jones, executive board member for children and education services, said he was pleased to see schools were embracing the subject by hosting the workshops.

He said: "I would like to commend the schools for hosting these workshops, and I'm pleased to see that organisations are working together to help bring about positive change during Anti-Bullying Week.

"These workshops will help empower children and young people to speak out about bullying, as well as educating people about differences and personal values."