Last week, pupils and staff gathered to watch the Inclusion Pride Flag raising during lunch. A few words were said by CLS Alumnus and current pupils about how CLS has supported them and what our LGBT+ society means to them.
The event was made particularly special by contributions from two pupils who spoke at the flag-raising ceremony. Both are in the middle of their A-Level exams, which made their presence and their words all the more impressive. One shared a moving poetry reading, while the other offered a personal and thoughtful reflection on his own journey and the wider meaning of Pride. He said:
“To have pride in yourself is a basic human goal… but one thing that certainly shouldn’t detract from pride is your sexuality or gender identity. In fact, it is exactly in opposition to societal norms, assumptions and expectations that this Pride is so admirable and courageous: pride in yourself for who you are, and the pride of others for you and your journey.”
He went on to remind us that Pride Month is not just for those in the LGBTQ+ community, but also an important opportunity for allies to help create a space in which that pride can be felt, expressed and received. It was a powerful and generous moment, and a reminder that kindness, authenticity and courage often go hand in hand.
This was followed by the LGBT+ fete which included our now infamous rainbow cake, nail painting, stickers and a pupil-led quiz.
