Every February in Britain since 2006, we speak out for LGBT people, and celebrate the contribution they have made to our society. It is not only race and gender that have met the ugly face of prejudice in the past. Homosexuality has been subjected to a long history of discrimination and it is during this month every year that we rise up against homophobia. LGBT month is a time to celebrate the lives of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual people and their achievements throughout history. It is celebrated in February in Britain to coincide with the anniversary of Section 28’s abolition in February 2003. Amongst other things, the law effectively banned the teaching of homosexuality in schools, a law that added to the isolation and discrimination of a large minority of people. It is the abolishment of laws such as this that has allowed Britain to grow as a tolerant and accepting community, which it will hopefully continue to do. The main aim of LGBT month is to encourage cultural pluralism and diversity. To help people find the inner strength to be proud of who they are - be it gay or straight - and let this be a proud part of their identity.
Last year, LGBT month concentrated on LGBT people in the fields of maths and science engineering with particular acknowledgment of the mathematician Alan Turing whose talent and genius was met with the hatred and ignorance of homophobia. This year takes a look at the contribution LGBT people make to the world of music. Many artists will be celebrated for their achievements including Jesse J, David Bowie, and Elton John. This month does not leave out LGBT people from the past either such as the classical composer Tchaikovsky who achieved extraordinary things despite being alive in an era when homosexuality was an indisputable crime. This year in particular, is a big one for the LGBT community as it coincides with the winter Olympics starting on the 7th of February in Sochi, Russia. The upcoming event has sparked a controversy due to the enforced homophobic policies and laws of the country. Many gay contenders from around the world have refused to attend the event on these grounds. The positive outcome of this situation is that the victims and culprits of this discrimination are globally revealed, encouraging further education on the dangers of prejudice.
I am proud to stand up to the ignorance and inequality attached to homophobia and proud to work for a company that encourages such acceptance amongst young people. It didn’t take me long to figure out my favourite resources from True Tube, with their ethical films on gay rights being one of them. All the resources take into consideration the sensitivity and maturity level of students you may be teaching, and provide guidance throughout. The principle of equality is at the core of these resources, a lesson that always has been and always will be important to teach.
One more important thing for teachers: We now have subtitles for over 60 more films for the hearing impaired in addition to the ones we already have – and more will be following!
The film below concentrates on dispelling any myths about the gay community. It is one of seven compelling films TrueTube has to offer on gay rights (not forgetting the supportive lesson plan and assembly script!)
Last year, LGBT month concentrated on LGBT people in the fields of maths and science engineering with particular acknowledgment of the mathematician Alan Turing whose talent and genius was met with the hatred and ignorance of homophobia. This year takes a look at the contribution LGBT people make to the world of music. Many artists will be celebrated for their achievements including Jesse J, David Bowie, and Elton John. This month does not leave out LGBT people from the past either such as the classical composer Tchaikovsky who achieved extraordinary things despite being alive in an era when homosexuality was an indisputable crime. This year in particular, is a big one for the LGBT community as it coincides with the winter Olympics starting on the 7th of February in Sochi, Russia. The upcoming event has sparked a controversy due to the enforced homophobic policies and laws of the country. Many gay contenders from around the world have refused to attend the event on these grounds. The positive outcome of this situation is that the victims and culprits of this discrimination are globally revealed, encouraging further education on the dangers of prejudice.
I am proud to stand up to the ignorance and inequality attached to homophobia and proud to work for a company that encourages such acceptance amongst young people. It didn’t take me long to figure out my favourite resources from True Tube, with their ethical films on gay rights being one of them. All the resources take into consideration the sensitivity and maturity level of students you may be teaching, and provide guidance throughout. The principle of equality is at the core of these resources, a lesson that always has been and always will be important to teach.
One more important thing for teachers: We now have subtitles for over 60 more films for the hearing impaired in addition to the ones we already have – and more will be following!
The film below concentrates on dispelling any myths about the gay community. It is one of seven compelling films TrueTube has to offer on gay rights (not forgetting the supportive lesson plan and assembly script!)