Pride month is about acceptance, equality, celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ people, education in LGBTQ+ history and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. It also calls for people to remember how damaging homophobia was and still can be. Pride is all about being proud of who you are no matter who you love.
At Shiplake everyone has an equal place regardless of race, gender, sexuality, nationality and religious beliefs. It's a place where you can be yourself and we are proud of our diversity. And in a recent Whole School Assembly, Director of Music Mrs Haynes spoke to our pupils about this important month and topic. She said:
'Pride Month is all about acceptance, equality, and showing support. It is a celebration of LGBTQ+ people and allies coming together in love and friendship. Pride is celebrated all over the world, mostly in the month of June!
Pride Month happens in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. In 1969, in New York City, police raided The Stonewall Inn – a safe space for LGBTQ+ people. At the time, LGBTQ+ people faced a lot of discrimination, and they decided it was time to stand up for themselves. A year after the riots, the first ever Pride event was held in the USA and now it is celebrated all over the world.
We have come a long way since 1969, however, we still have a long way to go to reach equality. There are still 64 countries in the world where being gay is illegal and 7 countries carry the death penalty for being gay. People in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience hate crime and LGBTQ+ people can experience mental health issues due to bullying, rejection, and discrimination
It is important that we see ourselves represented in the world through media, literature, and music. Representation of LGBTQ+ people helps those in the community feel seen and accepted and also allows others to learn and understand different relationships from their own.
You don’t have to be part of the LGBTQ+ community to show your support for equality. People who do not identify as LGBTQ+ can be allies - someone who believes in equality. You can be a good ally by educating yourself on LGBTQ+ issues, using inclusive language, getting involved and showing your support, and standing up for what you believe in — don’t stay silent in the face of homophobia
As you grow up, you learn a lot about yourself; you won’t be the same person you are now in 20 years. Your likes and dislikes change, your values and morals develop, and your perspective grows. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, growing up and realizing you are ‘different’ can be a difficult journey. There is fear of rejection and judgment but thankfully, society is becoming more open-minded and accepting.
However, there is still progress to be made.
Coming out is a huge step. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that support is available. You can talk to a teacher, a parent, a trusted adult, and your friends. There are also supportive websites which include The Proud Trust, Stonewall Young Futures, and The BeYou Project.
Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. We want everyone at our school to experience community, friendship, and a place where they can be themselves.
Think of two of our core values – Inclusive and Inspirational - and remember that love is love.'
