PHSG celebrates LGBTQ+ History month

Throughout February the student at PHSG have been celebrating the first ever LGBTQ+ History Month.

LGBTQ+ History month is a chance to shed a new light on the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities in the UK. Throughout the month the PHSG LGBTQ+ club, led by our Student Leader Lauren H, have been involved in putting on events, displays and assemblies to celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ community and crescendoed with a celebration of our True Colours mufti day on Friday 11th February.

Students were in invited to dress in the colours of the LGBTQ+ pride flag, with each colour representing a specific meaning. Students could wear multiple colours and / or a particular colour which they felt represent them the most.

We were delighted to see some many students in support of LGBTQ+ History month and a quiz was organised by the LGBTQ+ club at lunchtime to raise money for their charity, 'Just Like Us'. There were 4 rounds and great turn out with the library space full to capacity, The Team 'Fruit Loops' won the quiz, with Hello Kitty coming in second and Idiot +1 coming in 3rd. The team raised a massive £401.29 throughout the day for their charity. Here are some of the things our students had to say about the day:

I believe that we should celebrate LGBTQ+ history month to remember the heroes within the community who have helped it progress, they need to be supported and to carry on their legacy and further progress within the community. Lillian 9A

I wore red because in the original Pride flag it means life. Amelia 8A

I believe we should celebrate LGBTQ+ history month to acknowledge the progression we have faced over time and to be aware of the sacrifices and choices that have allowed us to live more openly and safely today. Jordan 11CLW

I wore red because it is the colour of life and shows that everyone deserves to live, whether you are LGBTQ+ or not. Kiz 9A

I have dressed in yellow, it is my favourite colour, and it has the meaning of sunlight, which is very appealing to me. Risahlia 12VAN

I chose orange and pink to represent the lesbians because I think it is important to show all parts of the LGBTQ+ community. Lizzie 8A

We spoke with some of the LGBTQ+ club after the event to reflect on how celebrating LGBTQ+ month has helped the community.

I thought it was really important to discuss how the rights have progressed, I am really interested in the History of rights and the people in history that contributed to evolution of rights, so it was great to be able to share this discussion with my friends. I chose to wear multiple colours and wore rainbow socks and laces. Jane, Year 7.

I chose to wear Green, for nature, I see nature as being free and thought it was a good representation for the rights of freedom. I enjoyed learning about the first people to take action and the history. I think it has expanded the community voice and encouraged people to come together as one. Georgina, Year 7.

It is great to celebrate how far the community has come so far, there is still work to do though. I am lucky that my family will speak freely and openly about LGBTQ+ subjects, but this is not the case for everybody. The History month allow people to start discussions that thy may not have had the opportunity to have and understand and support the community in whatever way they are comfortable with. I wore orange and pink in support of the lesbian community. Hazel, Year 7.