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Mel Lane
• Primary Teacher
• Teacher Trainer (PGCE)
• Qualified Professional Development Lead
• Rights Respecting Schools Assessor
• Co-author of 'What Does LGBT+ Mean?'
I was a classroom teacher and teacher trainer for over 20 years, but when my child came out as gay at the age of 18, I realised that we need to do more to help all children know that being LGBTQ+ is just another way to be a human.
Alex had spent four years knowing they were gay and not telling anyone. After years of listening to 'gay' used repeatedly as an insult and never hearing anything positive about LGBTQ+ lives, Alex thought they'd never be happy as a gay man.
This inspired me to start my work in schools. Every child deserves to know that they and their family are welcomed and valued in school. Every child benefits from knowing that difference is something to be celebrated.
Alex is now a happy, non-binary adult, living their best life, knowing that there are many, many LGBTQ+ people living varied and enjoyable lives.
I want to encourage children (and adults) to recognise that we don't have to like or understand everything about each other, but we can allow other people to just be themselves.
Awards and Media
My Approach
Listening to young people and raising their voices is at the heart of my work.
My young volunteers share their stories and experiences to help teachers understand, not just the challenges LGBTQ+ students can face in school, but also the incredible impact that supportive teachers have.
Teachers frequently tell me that, "listening to the personal testimony was the most powerful part of the training".
