Thousands set to march for government intervention in education to make it inclusive for the LGBT+ community
THIS YEAR’S Glasgow Pride is set to be the most overtly political in years as it champions the cause of LGBT+ inclusive education.
The annual event, which sees the largest celebrations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s identity in Scotland, has partnered with the Time for Inclusive Education campaign for its 2016 event.
Pride Glasgow CEO Alastair Smith said: “Inclusive education is an issue that will tug on the heart strings of every LGBTI person, allowing individuals time for reflection about their experiences in education. This issue will bring the community out in their thousands to march, demonstrate and be part of bringing about the much needed change to our education system that TIE is aiming for.”
The Time for Inclusive education campaign, which demands changes to secondary school education to combat the epidemic of homophobia in Scotland’s schools, grew in prominence in the run up to the 2016 Scottish Elections, leading many politicians including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to promise to work with the campaign in the new parliament.
Green leader Patrick Harvie told CommonSpace before the election that a coalition of MSPs would continue driving for teacher training to help teachers provide an LGBT+ inclusive education in the new parliament.
A Tie spokesperson said: “This is a huge step forward for both our campaign and the LGBTI community. Pride Glasgow’s decision to theme their parade – which attracts thousands each year – around TIE sends a clear message to decision makers in Holyrood that the time to create an education system that is fully inclusive of LGBTI identities and issues is now.”
The pride weekend of 20-21 August will represent a huge step forward in the Tie campaigns activities, with thousands expected to attend Tie themed events.
However, the campaign is facing vocal opposition, with the director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, Michael McGrath, saying that “it is not the role of government” to promote “homosexual activity” in Scotland’s schools.
Picture courtesy of Pride Glasgow