As the school ‘Diversity Champions’ Melody and I aimed to make the week fun and enjoyable for all. We organised food and a different film for every day. Another important aspect was the decoration, and the library was very festive, decked with rainbow bunting. All year groups were invited, and we held the school assembly on Tuesday which allowed us to talk about the importance of celebrating who you are to the whole school.
We are lucky that Queen’s has Diversity Champions in Sixth Form because it is such an important aspect of showing young people that they are all valued. The difference it has made to us is confidence and pride for being given the responsibility to spread such a valid and vital message.
Imogen.
When asked to write about Schools Diversity Week, it is surprising how few ideas sprung to mind. It is often hard to write about something for which you feel so passionately, as anything less than perfection doesn’t seem right. For me, Schools Diversity Week plays such a crucial part in challenging the stereotyping and discrimination still faced by LGBT+ youth today. Becoming a Diversity Champion in my school and taking part in organising and carrying out our Pride celebrations has helped me become closer to my brother. He came out to me a few years ago and at the time it was difficult to find the right words to show how proud I was of him and that I supported him endlessly. It is through events such as Schools Diversity Week that we can help educate people on the right words to say to show your support, that we can raise awareness of the prejudice still faced by LGBT+ youth, and that we can celebrate the amazing diversity of characters within and outside our school. It is perhaps through these small steps towards a fairer, more equal society, that we as a school can do something amazing.
Melody
The Queen’s School, Diversity Champions