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 crown

I know who I'm meant to be

But I'm scared they might want to change me

Into their own destiny

I fear they may want to change my ways

As they think that this is a faze

I pray they don't judge me

As I console in their company

I hope they don't run from me

I tell them slowly

Hoping they comfort me

As I begin to tell them

Mom Dad sit down

As 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?