To challenge rape culture, we have to acknowledge it’s existence. We can offer students a chance to explore how misogyny manifests itself in society before providing the tools with which to challenge it. Covering rape culture, complicity, language and anti-sexism, our talks offer solidarity to younger students and recognise the complicated experiences we all go through.

The Black Lives Matter movement shone a light on racial inequalities, helping popularise terms like ‘white privilege,’ or ‘allyship,’ and prompting new conversations. But what does allyship look like? Are all white people privileged? We can offer an overview of anti-racist ideas, explore what Decolonising means and encourage critical thinking about race.

Language reflects our culture the same way it perpetuates it. Examining misognystic phrases and insults helps give students a concrete way to look at how sexism manifests itself. Working wih them to think about how we take up space and the realities of combatting misogny will offer students an insight into how gendered dynamics play out.

Our society takes whiteness, maleness and straightness as the measure of professionalism. Tracing the history of professionalism and interrogating where our notions of professional attire come from are crucial to conversations about diversity. Thinking about dress, hair and mannerisms, we can redefine how we measure professionalism and success.

Creating a space to talk about sexuality honestly, we can explore pronouns, labels, queer culture and what coming out can mean to different people. So many young people lack the exposure to these topics, and we want to tell young LGBTQ+ people out there that they are valid. Encouraging students to challenge their assumptions, interrrogating stereotypes and discussing the importance of respect is central to this talk.

School can be a unique social environment and navigating friendships, relationships and fall-outs can be difficult. So what does it mean to be toxic? How can you communicate boundaries? Are you ever going to fit in? We can offer a space to think about all of this honestly and respectfully, challenging assumptions and reflecting on social dynamics.

Beauty standards impact us all daily, no matter your gender. Adverts, Instagram and the media reinforce an idea of what we should look like. Growing up can come with a range of adjustments and finding space for self-love can be challenging. This workshop will trace the history of beauty standards, explore what we mean by self-care, self-love and self-acceptance and encourage discussion around how we can remind ourselves that we are enough.

We often hear the terms power and privilege in a negative light. This workshop explores what these terms really mean and how they can be relational. Thinking about power as something that can be helpful will broaden students’ understandings of society and encourage them to think more critically. We will look at a range of examples to explore how privilege can manifest in different ways. This session is particularly relevant to a cohort interested in critical thinking, philosophy or debating.

The phrase ‘toxic’ masculinity is often misunderstood to mean that all masculinity is toxic. This session will shatter this misconception and work with students to explore masculinity and what it means to them. We will think about masculinity and how its different to femininity, discussing both its strengths and limitations. Run by our male speakers, we will create a space that helps shape young men and provides them with a broader understanding of themselves.