But working specifically on LGBTQ+ education in schools is an area in which I feel privileged to play a part. We need initiatives such as LGBT+ History Month to start a conversation, because when we are not educated by those around us of the beauty and struggle in our difference we are never getting the full picture.
Working with Schools Out UK and LGBT+ History Month, the Proud Trust has created an education pack called The Rainbow Flag Award Classroom – a set of regular school lessons with the stories of LGBTQ+ lives sprinkled throughout to educate the next generation.
As Rachel Williams, who helped to create the pack for the Proud Trust, explains: “It’s important the LGBT+ young people that exist in all of our schools see themselves represented in the education they receive. By highlighting the rich history of the LGBT+ community, and the huge struggles that have been overcome along the way, we can identify the gaps in equality that still exist, and encourage all young people to use their very important voices to instigate change that still needs to happen.”
To connect as a society we must understand ourselves, our own history and the lived experience of people who are different to us. We may never get to a place of fully understanding or maybe even fully accepting, but through education and knowledge I believe we can at least be kind to each other.
I am proud of who I am, and who I am in love with. But as a cis-gendered, white, middle class, able-bodied, gay woman I need to put a lifetime of work into listening and being empathetic to all that I perhaps may never fully understand. I need to appreciate that what has gone before has impacted me to my benefit and has impacted others to their detriment.
Yes there will be times we are all uncomfortable to speak the truth for fear of our physical safety. I am also not condemning every single LGBTQ+ person to a life of public challenge, people should live their lives however they want to.
Being out and being publicly out are two different things and both should be respected. The most important consideration, and the only thing I want for all LGBTQ+ people, is for them to be happy from the inside out.
Those who hold positions of power and influence must take a stand. I believe we can all do more and I believe we must all do our best because to give anything less is to sacrifice this gift of life.
