Alexa Moore, Policy Campaigns and Communications Manager at The Rainbow Project, said, “All of our young people are entitled to and should enjoy the best possible education that we can offer them – including LGBT pupils. The Minister’s removal of this guidance at the very start of the school term hasn’t been good for pupils, for teachers, or for parents. We urge him to reinstate the guidance and meaningfully engage with the young people affected by his decisions.”

The joint statement references the Department’s own research published in 2017 after it emerged this morning that the Department has removed the publication from its website. The report showed that, at the time, around two thirds of LGBT pupils did not feel safe and supported in school, and that trans pupils faced key issues addressed in the guidance including access to toilets, flexible uniform policies, and appropriate use of name and pronouns.

Susan Neill, vice-chair of NIC-ICTU’s Education Group, which “represents thousands of dedicated education workers from teachers to support staff,” expressed that they are “gravely concerned that this important guidance has been withdrawn and would ask that the Minister immediately publish the legal basis for the withdrawal.”

Susan added, “Given the legal uncertainty as to how the Supreme Court judgement applies to Northern Irelands devolved institutions, we believe that this is at best a premature move on the part of a Minister who would be better to focus on delivering educational outcomes for every child in every school across Northern Ireland. We are also concerned about the absence of discussion or consultation with stakeholders, and we urge the NI Assembly Education Committee to seek the legal basis for the Minister’s decision, and to seek the restoration of the guidance to the EA website.”

The detailed guidance, which placed no legal obligations on schools, explored issues including appropriate use of name and pronouns, access to facilities, and safeguarding considerations in depth. It has been replaced by a page long ‘Policy Statement’ which outlines the Department’s legal position but provides little advice to teachers for supporting young people.

Cohen Taylor, Chairperson of the NI Youth Forum has said, ”In its most recent report, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child made it clear that our government must act to protect LGBTQIA+ young people. The NI Youth Forum is committed to securing a Bill of Rights that guarantees safety, equality and dignity for every young person, including LGBTQIA+ youth. Restoring the existing guidance on supporting transgender and gender diverse young people is a necessary step towards that goal.”

Read the full statement below:

We the undersigned LGBTQIA+, human rights organisations and education unions are disappointed and concerned by the Education Minister’s decision to remove guidance which provided information to schools in relation to supporting transgender and gender diverse pupils.

Transgender young people in school are entitled to compassion, acceptance and support. The removal of guidance for supporting these young people, with no replacement guidance, is a step back for those young people struggling in school, as well as their parents and teachers seeking to support them.

The previous guidance from the Education Authority was non-statutory and non-binding, meaning schools already had scope to support pupils in a manner that suited the individual school. It is vital that schools are an inclusive, welcoming and empowering space for all pupils. This decision, taken without any meaningful consultation with the children and young people it will impact upon, is contrary to that goal.

The Department’s own 2017 research identified that appropriate access to toilets, changing facilities, and flexibility with uniform policies were key issues trans young people faced, and the key issues that caused over half of LGBT pupils to not feel supported in schools.

The Minister has clearly misunderstood that to consider children’s best interests is to consider the best interests of each individual child, including children and young people who are developing their own understanding of their identity. We are in no doubt that his decision will have direct consequences for pupils. It will affect their ability to fully participate in school life, to thrive in their educational environment, and will have knock-on impacts on other services including CAMHS.

The Minister has a responsibility to prioritise the education and wellbeing of all pupils over stoking political culture wars. We call on him to reinstate this guidance and to meaningfully engage with the young people, parents and school staff this directly affects.

The post Education Unions, Children’s Rights Groups and LGBTQIA+ Organisations call on Education Minister to Reinstate Trans Guidance appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

What’s included?

Free health checks, and information sessions on how to reduce your risk to cancer with some tips around nutrition, self-care products, alcohol, and smoking – plus refreshments.

Who’s it for?

LGBTQIA+ folks, allies and friends/family aged 50+. Come along and enjoy an empowering afternoon focusing on looking after your health!

The post Health and Wellbeing Day (50+) appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Hosted by the inimitable Pure Bent, EUPHORIA will showcase some of the finest drag and cabaret Derry and Northern Ireland have to offer – with act announcements to come over the next month.

Doors are at 8, show starts at 8:30 and we’ll round the night off with a DJ set – keep an eye on our socials to find out who!

Come along, have a ball and support Rainbow’s work to deliver equality for LGBTQIA+ people and their families across Northern Ireland. This event is strictly over 18s.

The post Maiden City Tease x Rainbow Project Presents: EUPHORIA appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

The post Share your Experiences: Impact of the Supreme Court Judgment in Northern Ireland appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

You will learn about how the guide was created, its content and how you can use it to raise awareness amongst your colleagues, patients and their loved ones.

From healthcare planning to thinking ahead, post-death practicalities and what to consider when honoring a life, this guide was made alongside a group of LGBTQIA+ volunteers invested in end of life care.

With Speakers:

• James O’Hagan, Head of Health Equity and Inclusion Programmes, LGBT Ireland
• Joe Henson, Cancer Champions Manager, The Rainbow Project
• Kathleen Quinlan, Lecturer/Tutor, St Francis Hospice
• Bettina Korn, Coordinator of the End-of-Life Care programme at St James’s Hospital, Dublin.

Sep 12, 2025 12:00 PM

Find the Zoom link to register here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8C1fjckxS8q_hUugsf3IIg#/registration

The post Ember Webinar with LGBT Ireland appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Sign up below to attend our LGBTQIA+ Courage Conversations Workshop facilitated by Birth, Death and Trauma Doula Patricia Lübeck.

Part of the Courage Conversations series, this workshop offers a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to explore end-of-life planning with care, creativity, and community.

It blends education, therapeutic holding, and guided reflection to help participants navigate key aspects of planning—including community support, digital legacy, finances, alternative celebrations, and essential legal considerations like wills and ADRTs.

While no legal or medical advice is given, this workshop encourages open conversations about life, death, and legacy. Participants will leave with clarity, resources, and a starting point to put their wishes in order. It can be a useful to start thinking about and reframing meaning and purpose in our own lives.

Most importantly, this workshop can be useful for people of all ages (18+) and stages of life.

Catering will be provided including tea & coffee, breakfast, and lunch.

If you have any dietary requirements and have registered please contact info@rainbow-project.org to let us know.

Price: Free

Note: This event is strictly for LGBTQIA+ attendees to ensure that it remains a safe space for service users.

For more resources and events related to Palliative Care Week, 7-13th September across the island, see Palliative Care Week 2025 – The Palliative Hub

The post LGBTQIA+ Courage Conversations with Patricia Lübeck – Belfast appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

The post Foyle Pride Brunch appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

To attend, we’d ask you to please send us an email at: youth@rainbow-project.org

The post Rainbow Youth: Strabane Drop-in (Ages 12-17) appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Drop-In, No Sign-up needed.

The post Rainbow Youth: Movie Night (Ages 12-24) appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Drop-In, No Sign-up required.

The post Rainbow Youth: Placard Making Workshop (Ages 12-24) appeared first on The Rainbow Project.