Posted on 01/18/2005 6:35:43 AM PST by presidio9
Schools will be encouraged to hold lessons exploring the achievements of gay men and women throughout history as part of the first gay history month.
The project, to be held in February, will highlight the hidden history of household names who would probably today identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, such as William Shakespeare, who was rumoured to be bisexual, and Florence Nightingale, who few people know was a lesbian.
Other events covered during the month will include talks on the early years of gays and lesbians in British television and discussions of the history of the British LGBT Muslim movement. Pupils will also study modern gay icons such as Freddie Mercury and Sir Ian McKellen, alongside more historical gay and bisexual figures such as Isaac Newton and Alexander the Great.
The voluntary initiative, modelled on the successful black history month held each October, is being backed by the government and has been given a grant by the Department for Education and Skills. It will be officially launched at the Houses of Parliament on February 7.
Jacqui Smith, the government minister responsible for equality, said: "I hope that lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender groups and their supporters across the country will take the opportunity to participate in the month and organise LGBT events in their areas. I believe the month will be important in helping to drive the culture change to create a more inclusive society. It will also be a great opportunity to uncover some hidden LGBT histories."
The scheme was designed by Schools Out! - a group campaigning for LGBT equality in schools - to get gay issues onto the curriculum. They will also encourage libraries, theatres, sports clubs and councils across the country to hold events.
Nigel Tart, from Schools Out, said: "Since the 80s, LGBT issues have been squeezed out of subjects like history, English and drama. Today's students only encounter them, if at all, in relation to bullying, sex education and Aids. LGBT history month is our first major project to reclaim our place in the curriculum."
It is not know how many schools will be involved in the project but Stephen Twigg, minister for school standards, said the government would be encouraging schools to sign up.
LOL.
Who's that?
Someone should post the Erik Estrada "You're a homo" picture.
Gandalf. BTW, it is my suspicion that all hobbits are gay.
What about the seven dwarves? They all live in the same house, and not one of them hit on Snow White.
What a deliciously appropriate name for someone in his (her?) position!
Actually, it gets even better. The only dwarf to hit on Snow White: Dopey.
GAy history 'month'?...why limit the celebration of sinfull lifestyles to just sodomites and their female counterparts?...
What's next.. Pride, Envy, Glutonny, Lust, Anger, Greed & Sloth... month?
Don't forget Dr. Acer, the Florida dentist who infected his patients with the AIDS virus.
I strongly question whether Isaac Newton was gay. It's popular amongst these people to suggest that famous people were gay because it makes them feel more accepted.
But you're right, Britain is not so Great anymore.
Another Saturday morning TV fan, I see. Remember, "Sky King" was sponsored by Fig Newton. Like "Bachelor Father," you sometimes wondered what Sky was doing living with niece Penny and taking her on some of those flights on Songbird I. You're darn tootin, we like Fig Newton.
This is one proud American male with a woman inside me and she Is a lesbian!
I fell like a Red Stater trapped in the body of a Blue State!!!
But they were manly men, those men in tights. They roamed around the forest looking for fights. THEY'RE BUTCH!
Thanks, been wanting to get that pic for a long time.
No he wasn't gay. Just a pedophile.
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