Gower College Swansea’s Rainbow Week celebrates inclusivity of LGBTQ+ individuals

Staff and students at Gower College Swansea have launched their first ever Rainbow Week with Welsh international rugby union referee Nigel Owens, MBE.

GCS Rainbow Week is dedicated to raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and celebrating inclusivity and the safe and supportive environment of the College.

The week started by signing up to Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme and an address and Q&A by Nigel Owens, MBE. Nigel talked about his struggles with his own sexuality and mental health, highlighting the importance of being true to yourself.

Other events throughout the week included a rainbow fayre – with attendance from Good Vibes, Eyst, Terrence Higgins Trust, Barod and BAWSO – a rainbow run and tie-dye sessions, nail painting and quizzes.

The College also welcomed representatives from Stonewall to deliver staff training as well as hear talks from asylum seeker Abderrahim El Habachi and a Stonewall school role model.

“We are extremely proud to launch our Rainbow Week initiative,” says the College’s Equality and Diversity Team Chair and Director of HR, Sarah King. “It is so important that staff and students feel safe and supported, and it’s great to see the whole College getting involved with planning and taking part in some brilliant activities.”