Students spread the message
By Neil Speight
22nd May 2021 | Local News
STUDENTS at the Gatweway Academy in Tilbury marked last week's International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with a presentation on social media.
The academy's progress leader for year eight, Mrs Ute Steenkamp invited Thurrock Nub News into school to meet students who had passionate views about the subject.
Two of the young people were Olivia Everest (year 10) and Gregory Ibrahim (year 9).
Olivia said: "My school helps raising awareness for the LGBTQ community by training and informing staff and students, and supports them by giving them a safe space."
She highlighted, that so many influencers, artists and people in the media have expressed their true sexuality publicly and said: "Why do we have to live in a society where we're more comfortable seeing two men equipped with weapons than holding hands or expressing their love by other means?
"We are now progressing, there are laws that are being passed against discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community. We've recently had conversion therapy banned, many including myself are extremely excited to see the progress of this beautiful change in the following years."
Gregory wrote this impactful poem:
This is me by Gregory Ibrahim
My feet are shackled as I look down
I'm scared that they might take my crownI know who I'm meant to be
But I'm scared they might want to change meInto their own destiny
I fear they may want to change my waysAs they think that this is a faze
I pray they don't judge meAs I console in their company
I hope they don't run from meI tell them slowly
Hoping they comfort meAs I begin to tell them
Mom Dad sit downAs I need to tell you something, they frown...
I love you both I really do.I am the person that I am today because of you.
I need to get this off my chest,because I know what is best
For me I have no doubt,I am finally ready to say it and come out.
I can't fight it, I don't want to,This is me, it is my truth.
You sit and stare at me with mouths agape, and you change to the colour of an overripe grape.Is it fear, is it anger, is it hate?
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