Framlinghamian 2023-2024 Single page - web 144dpi - Flipbook - Page 159
SPIRITUAL LIFE
supporting a child when coming out.
encourage those who may be struggling
During our Chapel service on Tuesday,
with their identity to feel less alone and
we welcomed Rev. Chris Davey from St
to empower all pupils to stand up for
Michael’s Church, Framlingham, to talk
what is right. By hearing my story, I hope
about how religion and the LGBTQIA+
pupils will feel inspired to be allies and
community can co-exist. On Wednesday,
advocates, recognising that their actions
the amazing team from The Youth
can make a signi昀椀cant di昀昀erence in
Outreach o昀昀ered drop-in sessions for our
creating an inclusive environment.”
pupils and the school community to talk
about all things ‘Pride’ and LGBTQIA+
“I hope that pupils and the College
issues, from terminology, to supporting
community will take away a deeper
friends, asking questions or simply having
understanding and empathy towards the
a conversation without fear of judgement
LGBTQIA+ community, learning from the
or discrimination.
di昀昀erent perspectives expressed across
the week. I want our pupils to recognise
We launched a special ‘Pride’ podcast
the importance of standing up against
on Thursday with guests from The Youth
discrimination, and to appreciate the
Outreach giving their experiences of
strength and resilience of those who have
support for the LGBTQIA+ community and
had to overcome signi昀椀cant obstacles
talking about allyship. The podcast was
just to be themselves. I hope they learn
used as an educational tool for our pupils
that questioning one’s identity is a healthy
during tutor periods to raise awareness
and necessary part of personal growth
and spark engaging conversation around
and that they feel empowered to support
LGBTQIA+ issues. You can listen to the
their peers as allies. Ultimately, I want
podcast here.
them to see the value in diversity and
inclusivity and to be inspired to create
Rounding o昀昀 the week, Mr Rogers
a more accepting and compassionate
addressed pupils and the school
community, as who knows who may need
community in a special Friday Chapel
your support in the future; your brother,
service. Mr Rogers said: “I was inspired
sister, cousin or your best friend.”
to share my story because I understand
the profound impact that personal
Looking ahead to the next academic
experiences can have in fostering
year, LGBTQIA+ inclusion remains a
empathy and understanding. My
priority, with our LGBTQIA+ club driving
own journey, with its challenges and
conversation to foster an inclusive
triumphs, highlights the reality that many
and supportive environment for all
LGBTQIA+ individuals face.
pupils, welcoming guest speakers to
“By sharing my story, I hope to humanise
raise awareness of ‘Pride’ campaigns
these experiences, making them more
throughout the year.
relatable and real to the pupils. I aim to
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