SCHOOL, IS WHO AM I ONLINE? A GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES THAT ANSWERS DOUBTS ABOUT SEXUAL IDENTITY
The publication, produced thanks to the work of the Arcigay School Network and with the contribution of Sephora Italia, can be downloaded free of charge from the association's website.
Bologna, November 6, 2023 – “"Who am I? How to survive the questions of the new generations"” This is the title of the manual created by Arcigay and coordinated by Marta Rohani, the school delegate in the association's national secretariat. The publication—available for free download— at this link – is a sort of toolkit designed for schools and families and created thanks to the support and contribution of Sephora Italia. The Toolkit was created with the aim of providing new tools to schools and families on LGBTQIA+ issues and therefore on sexual identity. The manual includes, in addition to an introduction and a glossary providing definitions of the main terms in use, four sections that guide teachers and families through the main questions that arise regarding sexual identity. We therefore begin with the first chapter – “Who am I?” – which explores the categories of sexual identity, then the second chapter – “Are we still a family?” – contains suggestions for welcoming coming out in the family context, the third chapter – “Can I be who I really am at school?” – a guide to welcoming coming out in the school context, with an in-depth look at alias careers, and finally the last chapter – “Who are the School Groups in Italy?” – introduces the meeting with Arcigay school groups, spread throughout the country and engaged in training activities in schools and educational settings.
““Who am I?” – explains Marta Rohani – seeks to gather some information that can guide schools and families as new generations grow up, navigating the issues of gender identity and sexual orientation. Teachers and parents can often find themselves helpless when faced with students' questions or revelations about their sexual identity. This is a small but crucial resource, which doesn't address the educational needs emerging on these issues within the school community, but it does provide a paradigm of acceptance and listening that is crucial at this stage. This publication benefits from the School Network, which acts as a hub for the leaders of Arcigay school groups, who work with tenacity and passion throughout our country. My first thanks go to them. I also thank Agedo, which has always collaborated with us and carries out valuable work on coming out to families. Last but not least, a special thanks goes to Sephora Italia, a dedicated partner who has chosen to actively engage with LGBTQI+ community issues.
