Supporting the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond Pride month, so why not include it in your DofE programme? Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, here’s some ideas of what you can do.

Volunteering 

• Fundraise for a charity that works with LGBTQ+ young people, like MindOut. MindOut supports LGBTQ+ people experiencing mental health challenges. You can also fundraise for an LGBTQ+ charity of your choice. Use our 13-week template to see how you can fundraise for your Volunteering section.
• Support the LGBTQ+ community by applying to become a volunteer with Switchboard. Switchboard trains volunteers to listen without judgement and offers a range of volunteer roles.
• Become an LGBTQ+ ambassador in your local area with Just Like Us and champion equality. If you’re aged 18-25, you can apply to their Ambassador programme. Their ambassadors take part in a wide range of activities like school and workplace talks, creating content, writing about your experiences, fundraising and running campaigns.
• Join or set up an LGBTQ+ school club to help your fellow students feel supported, accepted and included. You could help run meetings where students can come to chat, listen, hang out or share their experiences. Maybe you can even nominate LGBTQ+ champions who support others and promote inclusion? 

Skills 

• Learn about LGBTQ+ identities with The Safe Zone Project and share your knowledge to educate others. The Safe Zone Project has a range of free resources and online courses for young people to learn.
• Understand more about some of the key LGBTQ+ figures from the past and write a report on the impact they have had. Why not research historical artists that represented the LGBTQ+ community?
• Read LGBTQ+ literature or books by queer authors. You could write reviews or reports of the books, or join an LGBTQ+ book club to discuss them with others. 

Remember to discuss your ideas with your DofE Leader first, to make sure they fit the timescales and can count towards your programme.