Stoke Newington schools tackle homophobia with Emirates event

Pitch perfect: Stoke Newington musicians at the Emirates 'Educate and Celebrate' event

The Emirates Stadium looked very different on the evening of Thursday 28 February, when Arsenal FC hosted an Educate and Celebrate event with William Patten Primary School and Stoke Newington School to mark the culmination of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) history month.

Students offered an uplifting mix of music and poetry to an audience including Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The MP, who lives in Stoke Newington, told the crowd: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic the work that Educate and Celebrate is doing and you should be proud to be part of it.”

Ms Cooper paid tribute to Stoke Newington School and to its head teacher, Annie Gammon, for the leading role they have played in the supporting LGBT History Month over the years.

Elly Barnes, a music teacher from Stoke Newington School, founded Educate and Celebrate three years ago in the aim of getting into every single school to train teachers and give them the confidence and skills to be able to ‘usualise’ LGBT people in
the classroom.

Barnes stressed the need to change the culture and ethos of schools. “In schools we have the Equality Act 2010 which states that all the nine protected characteristics be treated equally and fairly.

“The way we do that through Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and LGBT History Month.

“What we are doing is highlighting the histories and issues of those oppressed communities because they are not being treated fairly as of yet. What we have to do is get to where everyone can be who they want to be without any fear of discrimination whatsoever.”

Having the event at the Emirates was a massive boost for all those involved with LGBT History Month, as Arsenal FC has played an active role in combating discrimination on and off the pitch, setting up Arsenal for Everyone. Like Educate and Celebrate, the club wishes to ensure that everyone who is associated with them feels welcome, safe and has a sense of belonging.

Lou Englefield, chair of Pride Sports, was also in attendance. The significance of the event being held at the Emirates was not lost on her.

“A couple of years ago my colleague launched Football v Homophobia, a community-led initiative which was about the LGBT community saying enough is enough – we don’t want it to be like this,” Ms Englefield said.

“Some of the best outcomes we have had this season have been through grassroots clubs who have joined us and said that ‘we want to be part of this, we want to stand up and be counted around this issue.’”