“Young people should be able to learn about healthy relationships of all kinds, and that includes LGBTQ+ relationships”
BY DANIELLE MUSTARDE. PHOTO: SADIQ KHAN IN 2019
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is writing to every headteacher in London to give his full support to LGBTQI-inclusive relationships education in the capital’s schools.
Reiterating his backing for the teaching of healthy relationships of all kinds, he warned that “intolerance and discrimination have no place in London”, following the spread of misinformation about inclusive sex and relationships (SRE) lessons and protests in other parts of the UK.
Sadiq Khan has previously spoken out in support of the LGBTQI community and wrote to the Education Secretary earlier this year to back inclusive education in both primary and secondary schools.
“Our schools must be places where all children feel safe and included, regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation, or that of their families,” he said in the letter.
“Young people should be able to learn about healthy relationships of all kinds, and that includes LGBTQ+ relationships.
“I am proud to be Mayor of a city that embraces differences and celebrates diversity. Bigotry, intolerance and discrimination have no place in London. This is why you have my total and full support as you equip students to make safe and informed decisions, show that LGBTQ+ relationships are part of everyday life, and ensure that all young Londoners can feel proud of who they are.”
In his letter, the Mayor also references recent rises in homophobic attacks, showing that it remains as important as ever that young people learn to respect healthy relationships of all shapes and sizes.
#LondonIsOpen
Only reading DIVA online? You’re missing out. For more news, reviews and commentary, check out the latest issue. It’s pretty badass, if we do say so ourselves.
