June marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time when we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness of the issues they face. At LECB, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all our staff and learners, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

We believe that every person has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and we are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. As a college, we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We are also proud to offer a safe and confidential space for staff and learners who identify as LGBTQ+. Our learner support team is trained to provide guidance and support for learners who are struggling with issues related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

At LECB we believe that education is a powerful tool for promoting equality and social justice therefore we are committed to creating a college that is inclusive and welcoming to all learners, regardless of their background or identity. We hope that our actions will inspire others to join us in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that takes place in the UK and around the world during the month of June. This year’s Pride Month marks the 51-year anniversary of the first Pride event in the UK.

Key facts about Pride Month in the UK:

• Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall riots, which took place in New York City in 1969. These riots were a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and helped to inspire the first Pride march in 1970.
• The first Pride march in the UK took place in London in 1972. Since then, Pride events have grown in popularity and are now held in cities and towns across the country.
• Pride Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and to raise awareness of the issues they face. It is also a time to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Pride events typically include parades, festivals, and other cultural events. These events provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
• The rainbow flag is a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community and is often displayed during Pride events. The flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 and features six colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
• Pride Month is an important time to recognise the progress that has been made in promoting LGBTQ+ rights, but also to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community continue to exist, and Pride Month is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality.
• In the UK, there are a number of organisations that work to support the LGBTQ+ community, including Stonewall, the LGBT Foundation, and the Albert Kennedy Trust.
• Pride Month is a time for allies to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Allies can do this by attending Pride events, promoting LGBTQ+ rights, and speaking out against discrimination and prejudice.

Why is it called ''Pride''?
Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the perspective that drives most LGBTQ+ rights groups and movements around the world.

How is it celebrated?
Pride Month events attract millions of participants from around the world each year. Today, the celebrations include parades, marches, parties, concerts/shows, workshops, among other activities that take place in different nations.

How did the rainbow flag become a symbol of LGBTQ+ Pride?
The rainbow flag is a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community and is recognised around the world. It has a rich history and has become an important symbol of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance around the world.

Here are some facts about the history and meaning of the rainbow flag:

• The rainbow flag was designed by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. It was first flown at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day parade on June 25, 1978.
• The original flag had eight colours, each with a specific meaning. The colours were hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, and violet.
• The hot pink stripe was removed from the flag due to a shortage of hot pink fabric, and the flag was reduced to seven colours.
• The colours of the rainbow flag are symbolic. Red represents life, orange represents healing, yellow represents sunlight, green represents nature, turquoise represents magic and art, blue represents serenity and harmony, and violet represents spirit.
• The rainbow flag is a symbol of diversity and inclusivity. It represents the LGBTQ+ community and their struggle for acceptance and equality.
• The rainbow flag has become an international symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and is used in Pride events around the world.
• The rainbow flag has inspired other flags that represent specific groups within the LGBTQ+ community, such as the transgender flag and the bisexual flag.

To mark the Coronation of King Charles III, LECB came together to plant a tree on the college grounds, symbolising new beginnings and growth. In addition, learners have been getting creative, decorating communal college areas with coronation-themed buntings and posters. We have been super excited to join in with the Coronation festivities and celebrate this historic event.

​A special thank you to the 7th Welling Scouts for donating this beautiful tree and to our tutor Jean and her gardening class for helping us plant it.

Whether you already know what you want to study or are just searching for some inspiration, our Open Day is the perfect way to find out more about the College, meet our staff and view our range of courses and facilities. You could even try one of our taster sessions! 

We provide a range of nationally accredited courses that could help you gain employment, learn new skills and improve your CV. 

​Accredited courses at the LECB include English, Maths and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), which are often free or subsidised, depending on individual circumstances. 

​Before you can book onto an accredited course, you need to complete a free Initial Assessment (IA). This will help you pick the right course for your skill level. There will be a chance to take your IA at the Enrolment Day on 4 March so that you sign up immediately to the course that suits you. 

Alongside our accredited courses, we also have our special interest courses starting in April, which include Ballroom Dancing, Creative Glass Making, Line Dancing, Pilates, Pottery, Zumba and many more! 

Experience what it’s like to study at LECB and find out more about the support and services we offer by booking into one of our taster sessions today! 

Click the link to book your space today - http://ow.ly/sUxG50MU3u5 ​

If you would like to learn more about our curriculum for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Education Health Care Plans, come along to one of our coffee mornings.

📅 The next coffee mornings are:
23 February 2023 from 10-11am
16 March 2023 from 10-11am
20 April 2023 from 10-11am
18 May 2023 from 10-11am

Book a space now by emailing 📧 SENDenquiries@lecb.ac.uk