Three Kildare Schools Recognised For LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Efforts And Inclusion

Friday, 14 March 2025 12:23

By Martin Osborne

This initiative is a response to statistics from the 2022 School Climate Survey, which revealed that 76% of LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland do not feel safe in post-primary schools.

Three schools in Kildare have received the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark in recognition of their efforts to foster LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion over an 18-month period.

The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, attended by over 350 staff and student representatives.

The schools to get the award locally include Rathangan Secondary School, Naas CBS and Maynooth Post Primary School.

Nationally, 44 schools received the recognition.

The recipients, representing 17 counties, include institutions catering to 26,000 post-primary students.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark, launched by Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland in 2022, is an accreditation initiative aimed at creating safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students.

This initiative is a response to statistics from the 2022 School Climate Survey, which revealed that 76% of LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland do not feel safe in post-primary schools.

Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To, highlighted the ongoing challenges of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in schools, citing the need for continued progress in creating inclusive spaces.

More from Local News

Deadline Tomorrow For Remote Working Views As Kildare TD Links Inflexibility To Traffic Congestion

The consultation is seeking views from workers, employers and other stakeholders on the rules introduced in March 2024, which require employers and employees to follow a Workplace Relations Commission code of practice when dealing with requests for remote or flexible working.
New Figures Reveal How Parts Of Kildare Rank Among Worst In State For GP Coverage

South Kildare is among the worst hit areas in the country.
Tomorrow Marks 25 Years Since Naas Man Trevor Deely Went Missing As Gardai Issue Appeal

The 22-year-old from Naas went missing after attending his work Christmas party in Dublin in December 2000.
Rent Hike Fears For Students As Lawless’s Department Weighs Change Sought By Private Operators

Senator Laura Harmon says Further and Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless must protect students from rent hikes.
Taxi Driver Protest Suspended Pending Outcome Of Talks

The action has been suspended pending the outcome of a meeting at Government buildings next week.
Lights Could Make Anti-Social Behaviour Worse: Council Says No To Security Lighting At Kilcock Playground

A motion from Social Democrats Councillor Peter Melrose had called for lighting to improve passive surveillance, but officials say previous attempts in other playgrounds failed to curb antisocial behaviour - and in some cases made it worse.
BREAKING: Green Light For €1.3bn Drainage Scheme Serving Kildare After Court Agreement

The major project is seen as crucial to the provision of future housing infrastructure.
Kildare Man Nigel Cullen Awarded With National Bravery Award After Saving Young Man From House Fire

Audio

More than 17 people have been recognised at this year’s National Bravery Awards in Leinster House