GenderSpace delivers inspirational CPD session

Christian Owens, Professional Speaker and Founder of GenderSpace, recently visited King’s Leadership Academy Liverpool to deliver a CPD training session, sharing his lived experience of gender transition and educating staff on how they can support students who may be embarking on a similar journey. Christian had a successful 27-year career in the police service and was the first-ever officer to transition. He began running internal CPD sessions to raise awareness and promote inclusivity, and was instrumental in implementing a transgender policy across the police force. After retiring from his role as Detective Sargeant, Christian set up his public speaking platform, GenderSpace, in order to inform and enlighten organisations and educational institutions at a national level.

Christian explained the goal of the sessions he delivers, saying: “The purpose of my work and the presentations that I deliver to schools, is to provide a safe space to discuss the subject of gender identity, to educate, raise awareness, increase inclusivity for everyone and reduce discrimination. I share my own personal journey and lived experiences in an open and honest way, as I strive to be a visible role model for teachers and students, highlighting the importance of being your true authentic self and feeling a sense of belonging and acceptance, but also to encourage understanding, kindness and allyship.”

Steven Panter, Senior Safeguarding Lead at the academy, highlighted the importance of learning from CPD sessions like Christian’s, saying: “The question for us as staff is how we can apply what we learnt from this amazing session to our students and families on the same journey. We have a handful of students who need our support and it is incredibly brave of them to come out to their peers like they do. These numbers will only increase, not reduce. I have always been humbled by young people’s courage to come out over the years and proud to support them on their journey of sexuality and/or gender.”

King’s Leadership Academy Liverpool is also embarking upon a partnership with Stonewall, an organisation that supports schools with implementing an inclusive education and celebrating diversity. By partnering with such organisations and hearing the stories of inspirational speakers like Christian, the academy aims to create a welcoming culture in which students on journeys of discovery feel safe and accepted.