Story
A wish for change
At Just Like Us we constantly hear people say ‘I wish Just Like Us had been around when I was at school’.
This heartfelt sentiment comes from people who hear about the work we do — empowering LGBT+ young people to thrive by ensuring schools are inclusive, understanding, and supportive. Recognising the profound difference it could have made for them: a rainbow badge on a teacher’s lapel, a Pride group to belong to, or simply a story from someone ‘just like them’ that made them feel less alone.
This Christmas, you can help us make that wish come true for thousands of young people who still need to feel seen, supported, and celebrated at school.
Sadly growing up LGBT+ is still incredibly tough. Our research shows that LGBT+ school pupils are twice as likely to have been bullied than their non-LGBT+ peers and they are more than four times as likely to rarely or never feel close to other people.
We think this is unacceptable and through our work we are transforming the lives of LGBT+ young people, ensuring that schools across the UK become places where diversity is celebrated and every young person can thrive.
Your gift can make a difference
Every donation helps us to:
- Train more LGBT+ ambassadors to share their stories in schools, inspiring hope and understanding.
- Provide free resources for teachers to create inclusive lessons and environments.
- Expand our School Diversity Week, ensuring every student has a chance to see themselves represented.
Help us grant the wish of change
This Christmas, we’re asking for your support to ensure no young person grows up saying ‘I wish Just Like Us had been around when I was at school’.
Our patron Jonathan Bailey wishes he'd had Just Like Us at school
“LGBT+ inclusive education wasn’t there in school, so I felt very alone, and that’s a very common experience to not even have people in the classroom, if there’s nothing in the books you’re reading. You’re twice as likely to be bullied [as an LGBT+ young person], but if there is positive LGBT+ messaging around you, everyone’s mental health and happiness increases."
“So it’s a no-brainer, and Just Like Us is the charity that’s doing it."
Donate now and help us to reach more LGBT+ young people across the UK.