SENATOR David Norris visited The King’s Hospital School last week to address the students and raise a rainbow flag to mark their first ever LGBT+ Week.
Students and teachers came together during the week to learn about the rights and issues of the LGBT+ community through a series of workshops, films and music.
Senator Norris, whose uncle was a past pupil of the school, spoke about his trajectory from being defined as a criminal to becoming a presidential candidate.
“Forty years ago I would have been arrested if I had attempted to speak at the school on the subject of homosexuality,” he pointed out.
His message to the students was, “be the man or woman you want to be”.
The King’s Hospital’s LGBT+ Committee, made up of both teachers and students, organised the educational week to create an understanding and awareness of LGBT+ within the school community.
Students were also encouraged to stand up for their peers as they began to understand LGBT+ issues throughout the week, and in turn prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Rainbow stickers with the word ‘Ally’ were given to students and staff to wear for the week.
Events held throughout the week included a SpeakOut workshop with Transition Year students, lunchtime activities, and daily music performances in the school’s chapel.
Senator Norris is expected to be the first of many LGBT+ advocates to visit The King’s Hospital.
The first LGBT+ committee in the school’s 349-year history hopes to invite even more past pupils and sports stars to promote LGBT+ issues in the school, beyond this week of awareness.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Carlos O’Brien, student and first President of the school’s LGBT+ Committee, said: “The aim of LGBT+ Week is to show that being LGBT+ is absolutely acceptable and to make the school a welcoming and warm environment.
“It’s about the school being inclusive, accepting and most importantly celebrating diversity.
“Having students at our school who are LGBT+ or straight, different colours and religions is what makes this school wonderful and unique.
“I want everyone to know that it’s perfectly okay to be yourself in this school.”
