Case Study: Belongto
Remember the Rainbow
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The Mission
78% of LGBTQI+ children report feeling unsafe in school. We set out to help make schools a safer place for LGBT children.
THE SOLUTION
Re-invent the ‘Remember the Rainbow’ mnemonic using a message of positivity and inclusivity.
There are seven colours in the rainbow – Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet. To help children remember the colours, old King Richard of York is dug up in schools all around Ireland and the UK with the mnemonic: Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain. Not a very positive message.
We invented a new one: Respect Others You Grow By Including Variety.
This was a perfect message for BeLonG To Youth Services, whose mission is to create a world where all young people, including LGBQI+ youth, can feel safe and equal without experiencing any discrimination.
We then made a story about it – THE COLOURS WHO DIDN’T WANT TO MIX. A short film story about colours who come together to create one of the most beautiful things in the world – a rainbow.
We launched a website with fun activities and teaching worksheets.
THE IMPACT
Thousands of work lessons have been downloaded and used in schools across Ireland. We know Richard’s battle was in vain, but by being killed again, he may help win the battle for equality and tolerance.
Rest in peace Richard.
The Mission
Most gender diversity messages wait till children are age-appropriate, by which time it is much harder to change biases.
THE SOLUTION
A trojan horse approach – change an age-old class lesson and re-invent a whole new way for school children to remember the colours of the rainbow.
The impact
Listed as an official new teaching resource and adopted in hundreds of schools across the country.
