Tomorrow marks the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, a reflection on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. The annual event has been celebrated since it was first founded in 1994 by History Teacher, Rodney Wilson.
Today, Leighton Park was delighted to see its former Head Boy and GSA Club Co-Founder, Kit King, return to Main Hall to discuss his motivation behind starting the Gender Sexuality Alliance group.
“Leighton Park does not only accept diversity but encourages and celebrates it.” spoke Kit. “As queer people we’re naturally drawn together and I noticed that happening at Leighton Park during my time here. I wanted to create a space that reflected that, so my friend Izzy and I began the GSA.”
Following the Collect with fellow members of the GSA, Kit was delighted to note that the group had “grown considerably since its humble beginnings.”
The Collect focused on this year’s theme of ‘Politics in Art’ and the moving work of Félix González-Torres, as well as a discussion on what LGBTQ+ History Month means to us.
To conclude, the GSA shared their Ally Pledge, which they encouraged the room to take up together:
‘I believe all students and staff, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserve to feel safe and supported.
That means I pledge to:
Matthew Judd, Head, ended the Collect by reflecting on his favourite thing about Leighton Park: “We can be exactly ourselves and that’s a marvellous privilege to be in and something that not everyone in the world has the opportunity to experience. So, thank you this morning for just reminding us of that culture we have here.”
Shaun Dellenty, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, commented “LGBT History Month exists to educate and inform, whilst also increasing representation and visibility, something the GSA worked hard to reflect in their LGBT History Month 2022 Collect. It is always a privilege to work with the GSA, but I was especially inspired and moved today by their courage in enabling our whole school community to better understand historical and contemporary LGBT+ experiences, in addition to clarifying the importance of active allyship and equality for all diverse human beings. I am very proud of our GSA members and was thrilled that one of the founders of the GSA was also able to join us and to speak. An inspiring start to LGBT+ History Month!”
Nicola Forshaw, Academic Intervention Practitioner, added “Co-curricular clubs, like the student-led GSA, provide a wonderful opportunity for individuals with shared interests to be in community with one another. Clubs also support our students by providing safe spaces that nurture a sense of belonging, which is why our co-curricular provision aims to represent the diversity of our school community, including LGBTQ+ students and allies.”
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