Schools Out call for Pride paraders

Schools Out today called on LGBT education workers and supporters of equality in education to march together at London Pride, on Saturday 4 July.

Organiser Milena Gravenhorst has set up a Facebook group, ‘Schools Out at London Pride 2009’, to bring people together. She explained:

‘I’m always disappointed I can’t march with fellow teachers at London Pride. The police and the armed forces have a prominent presence now – so why don’t we?

'LGBT teachers have been making a difference to many students´ lives for decades but this fact is neither acknowledged nor celebrated. In fact, in the public eye, LGBT teachers still don’t seem to exist!

Schools have a legal duty to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying. This can only be implemented effectively if LGBT teachers and other education staff themselves feel able to be fully out to pupils, staff and parents. Research has shown that ‘meaningful personal contact’ with an LGB person cuts homophobia by half.

The Facebook group can be found here. Alternatively, you can send an email to schoolsoutlondon@yahoo.co.uk to register interest and find our more.