Just Like Us says “You don’t have to be LGBT to be an ally” What’s an ally? A friend and
supporter of the LGBT+ community.

Diversity in books, and other media, is important as we live in a diverse world. BookTrust
says “Representation is so important, both for teens who are themselves LGBT and also for
others to gain more empathy and understanding.”

School Diversity Week

During School Diversity Week 20 to 24 th June, primary and secondary schools as well as colleges across the UK celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality in education.

Just Like Us have a range of masterclasses from School Diversity Week 2021 that can be viewed online. They say “Our masterclasses are a unique educational opportunity to learn about a range of exciting topics from the experts. ​Our experts will be hosting masterclasses that will spark your interest and develop your understanding in a range of subjects – from poetry and history to faith and economics. ​We will clearly outline the target age group for each workshop, and parents and carers are welcome to watch along with your young people.” Watch here

Pride Month

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognising the influence LGBT people have had around the world. Pride Month is celebrated every year in June, as this marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

These were a series of equal rights demonstrations held by members of the LGBTQ+ community against oppression. This was in response to violent police raids on LGBTQ+ establishments in New York in June 1969.

Considered a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ civil rights, Pride Month is celebrated in June to mark how far the movement has come and what still needs to be done to help ensure fair treatment for all without discrimination.

As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are usually a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.

Newsround “Pride month: What is it and why do people celebrate it?” 

Newsround video “Where does the rainbow flag come from?” 

Newsround “Pride Month: Who was Marsha P. Johnson and why was she so important?”

Royal Mint rainbow 50p coin to celebrate 50 years of Pride 

Pride: What is the Progress Pride flag? - CBBC Newsround 

How to be an ally to friends who’ve changed their pronouns - BBC Bitesize 

Reading inspiration

You may want to read a book that helps you understand more about yourself and how you may be feeling, be keen to learn more about how a friend or family member may be feeling, like to gain an understanding of other people’s experiences, or just want to read a good book!

We have gathered together here a collection of books which inspire and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, raise awareness and educate society. LGBTQI Literature celebrating 50 Years of Pride | LoveReading4Kids 

These books for teens and young adults all feature lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender characters and relationships.” LGBT (YA) | BookTrust 

Here, we've picked out our favourite middle-grade books which show, and celebrate, LGBTQ+ characters and families. LGBT (Middle grade) | BookTrust 

It's important for everyone to see themselves in books - and to discover other people's experiences, too. With that in mind, we've put together a list of brilliant books featuring characters who identify as trans, non-binary or gender fluid alongside non-fiction titles that explore these themes. Transgender and non-binary characters | BookTrust 

LGBTQ+ Booklist
Look at the booklists and the titles available from the academy library for inspiration, where there is a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including titles with LGBT+ themes or written by LGBT+ authors.  
Our academy library books are available for ANYONE in our school community to borrow at any time

Where to find support

You should not feel pressurised to label yourself, your gender identity or sexual orientation. If you do feel you’d like to come out, and are safely able to, you can find support on how to start conversations, and further advice, at Coming out as LGBTQ - advice for young people (stonewall.org.uk) 

It is always good to speak to someone you trust about the issues you might be facing, no matter how big or small. It can be hard talking about gender, sexuality and relationships, so if you are experiencing difficulties, don’t feel ashamed or different, and don’t feel you have to hide away from it.
For links to helpful organisations offering advice on a range of issues, check out BBC Action Line.

If you feel you need support you can talk to someone you think will be supportive that you trust, such as a friend, family member, or maybe a trusted youth worker or teacher.

Please visit TCA’s Safeguarding and information for families page: Thomas Clarkson Academy - Safeguarding & information for families 

Activities:

Here are some ideas of other fun things that you can join in with at home to celebrate School Diversity Week and Pride Month.

If you decide to take part and would like to share some of the activities you have chosen to do, please send the details to Miss L Robinson on Teams.

Create your own identity flag

The rainbow flag has been a symbol for LGBT+ people for almost 50 years. LGBT+ people use the flag at Pride parades to proudly show their identity. 

What would a flag that shows your identity look like? Try creating one yourself on a sheet of A4 paper. Make sure it uses a range of colours and represents you.

Some things you might want to include:

• Things you like (e.g. food, activities, music)
• Things that are important to you.
• Symbols that represent your heritage or faith
• Symbols that represent your LGBT+ identity (if you are LGBT+)

Display your flag wherever you want to show you are proud of your identity. 

Bake Off
What better way to celebrate School Diversity Week than with tasty treats?

We recommend making rainbow cupcakes. They are super easy and a lot of fun!

Have a look at this recipe by Tesco

As an extra step you could make mini flags using paper, sticky tape and cocktail sticks. 

Write messages of support for the LGBT+ community on each one. 

If you’re feeling extra ambitious how about attempting a Pride celebration cake? This could be decorated with colours of the progress flag.

You could share pictures of your colourful masterpieces with #SDW22.

Letter of Support

Can you take some time to spread kindness? You could try writing letters either to classmates, supportive teachers or to local charities that support LGBT+ rights.

You could also write to LGBT+ live artists you love or more personally, a friend you know is struggling.  

Watch LGBT+ Films or TV shows

Throughout the week watch film or tv shows with LGBT+ themes and characters. There are a variety of LGBT+ tv shows and films on Netflix currently. Ensure they are age appropriate.

Here are some recommendations of Netflix media centred around LGBT+ culture or featuring LGBT+ characters.

Share these recommendations with friends and you can discuss them whilst watching. 

• Pose
• The Miseducation of Cameron Post (15)
• I am Not Okay With This (15)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race
• Paris is Burning
• Black Mirror (San Junipero) (15)
• The Queen
• The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
• Brooklyn Nine-Nine (15)
• Sex Education (15) 
• Heartstopper

LGBT+ Playlist
Make a playlist of your favourite LGBT+ artists.  Some examples:

• Sam Smith
• Hayley Kiyoko
• Queen (Freddie Mercury)
• Kim Petras
• Years and Years
• Lil Nas x
• Tyler the Creator
• Frank Ocean
• King Princess
• Beth Ditto
• Elton John
• George Michael
• Ezra Furman