York is set to create a world first this month.
Every city secondary school is taking part in the York Pride parade on June 10 – thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that an LGBT Pride event has achieved the full inclusion of its local schools.
Students and teachers from these secondary schools will be there:
Archbishop Holgate’s
Fulford
Huntington
Joseph Rowntree
Millthorpe
Tadcaster Grammar
Vale of York
York High
They will be joined by Bootham and other schools under a York area schools supporting York Pride banner. In total, 13 secondary schools from within and around the city will be on the parade, from the Minster to the Knavesmire.
‘Incredible achievement’
“It is absolutely incredible that all of York’s secondary schools are taking part in Pride this year,” said Greg Stephenson, chair of York Pride.
“York Pride has developed excellent relationships with local schools, which have such a pivotal role in supporting LGBT rights and shaping the attitudes of young people growing up in York.
“To have them all there in our Pride parade will be truly heart-warming and an incredible achievement.”
Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive at Stonewall, Britain’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality charity, said: “This is great news! What a wonderful gesture to have every single secondary school in the area joining the Pride parade.”
Pride vice-chair and lead contact with the schools Julian Rudd is equally thrilled. He said:
Secondary school is a key stage in our development and LGBT kids can feel very isolated.
I am so proud to say that York Pride and our schools have managed to achieve this landmark alliance to tackle prejudice.
Parade starts at York Minster
Sat Jun 10 @ 11.45am
The parade will begin at 11:45am from The Minster and culminate at The Knavesmire for an afternoon of live music, food, drink, and activities.
This year, S-Club Party will headline the main stage and there will be a full fairground for all ages to attend
More reactions
Across the city, secondary schools have adopted policies which aim to tackle LGBT-phobia and support the celebration of diversity and inclusion.
Themed lessons and events will take place at the schools during the lead in to York Pride.
– Mary Weastell, Chief Executive of City of York Council
– Sarah Richards, Manor teacher
– David Ellis, head at York High
– Ryan Wilson, head of English at Joseph Rowntree