This week, our assembly focuses on the celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month, which takes place in February. The aim was to shed light on the journey of the LGBTQIA+ community, the challenges they faced, and the significant milestones in the fight for equality.

The assemblies, led by Mr O Cooper and Miss S Lindsay, commenced with a powerful video highlighting the detrimental effects of silence in the face of discriminatory actions against LGBTQIA+ individuals. This set the stage for an enlightening exploration of the term ‘gay,’ tracing its origins back to France, where it initially meant happy and carefree. Over time, the term evolved into a slang word and was officially added to the dictionary in 1951.

Our pupils also learned about the beginnings of the gay rights movement, sparked by the 1969 Stonewall riots in America. This pivotal moment triggered a ripple effect, leading to the formation of the Gay Liberation Front UK in 1970, advocating against discrimination and putting forth crucial demands. During the assembly, pupils were astonished to discover the time gap between these demands and the subsequent introduction of laws – a stark reminder of the long journey toward equality.

Key figures in the LGBTQIA+ movement were highlighted, with one of them being Sir Ian McKellen. He is a prominent member of the Stonewall Foundation, which played a pivotal role in the fight against Section 28 of the Local Government Act, which sought to suppress the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools and stigmatise LGBTQIA+ individuals.

As Mr. O Cooper aptly concluded, “Throughout the hardships mentioned during the assembly, there has always been a series of people who stand up for what’s right in order to make positive change.” At CTA we honour and respect the contributions of these courageous individuals. Together, as a school community, we come together to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity.

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