This week, we launched LGBT+ History Month during our assembly centred around this years' theme: ‘Activism and Social Change’.
LGBT+ History Month was founded in 1994 in Missouri in the USA by high-school history teacher Rodney Williams. Paul Patrick and Sue Saunders of LGBTQ+ charity OUT UK organised the first LGBT+ History Month in the UK in February 2005, coinciding with the first anniversary of section 28 being repealed, meaning this year is the 20th year of these celebrations. The month of celebration has spread to eight countries, including, most recently, Cuba, in 2022. OUT UK is a charity focused on making schools safer for LGBTQ+ students and staff.
In the past week pupils have enjoyed some thought-provoking presentations from our students. The first talk explored the topic of "LGBTQ+ Issues in Japan," shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in relation to gay rights in the country. The second talk focused on "Mutual Aid in LGBT+ Communities," exploring how the historical absence of support has impacted and, in many ways, united LGBT+ individuals in their fight for equal rights. Both interactive discussions provided valuable insights and sparked meaningful conversation between pupils and staff, and we look forward to the other talks over the next month.
