At the Orange Tree School, some of the most important and enriching days are those which are spent dedicated to particular subjects or issues which students and teachers care deeply about. Most recently, in line with global events, we decided to have a whole day set aside for Pride as part of our month long campaign of raising LGBT awareness amongst students and staff. The day allowed students to immerse themselves in the rich history of Pride, the key ideas and events, and have fun while doing it.
As some may know, June 28th 2022 holds a special significance for Pride in the UK as it is the 50th anniversary of first ever Pride parade in London. And for those who really know their history, you will spot that June 28th was the very same day upon which the historic Stonewall riots took place in New York City in 1969. This day therefore made perfect sense to be the one to mark our Pride Day.
We started off with the aforementioned Stonewall riots and students eagerly watched a documentary about the events and their significance in catalysing the gay liberation movement and broader LGBT movements at large. Following this documentary, our students had a fascinating discussion about the many different aspects of the riots including the complex motivations and the social and political aftermath. One particularly eager student even went so far as to prepare a Kahoot quiz for everyone to participate in. They also shared with us the video diaries of a transitioning young trans woman, relating the path laid over 50 years ago by the Stonewall riots to the real life impact of the LGBT movement today.
Lunch took on a more playful tone with students creating colourful - and delicious - fruit kebabs celebrating not only the significance of a diverse diet, but also the diversity represented with the colours of the Pride flag. Capping of the lunch was a whole student and staff sing along of "This is Me" from the musical, 'The Greatest Showman' led by our brilliant music teacher. The song was a particularly powerful moment for our students as it reminded them that the Pride movement is not only about accepting a diversity of genders and sexualities, but - above all - accepting all types of diversity whether this racial diversity, bodily diversity, or neurodiversity.
Both the event and the month were a huge success and staff and students now have an even greater appreciation the long struggles that have helped shape the world they live in as well as the importance of accepting and promoting all kinds of differences.