Norton Hill School has been inspired by the words of international human rights activist, Stuart Milk, who visited recently. He spoke of celebrating diversity and the need for equality for all groups in society, with a particular focus on the LGBT community as part of LGBT History Month.

Stuart is the nephew of Harvey Milk, the iconic civil rights leader, who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. His remarkable career was tragically cut short when he was assassinated a year after taking office.

Stuart Milk is the co-founder and Board President of the Harvey Milk Foundation, and began the assemblies with a video of him accepting the highest civilian honour in the US on behalf of his uncle, the Medal of Freedom, from Barack Obama. He spoke at length of examples of governments he had visited around the world, where LGBT people do not have equality, and the consequences that this can have on a community. He also discussed how his uncle had fought for equality for all communities, and explained how LGBT equality is a celebration, not just something to be tolerated, encouraging his uncle’s message of authenticity in all people.

Stuart concluded with a reminder of how our differences are a strength, not a weakness. Sian Gunton, Head of PSHE at Norton Hill, said: “It was incredible for our students to hear these messages from Stuart Milk, and we have seen in follow-up lessons the impact this has had on them. There is a real feeling around the school that differences are something to be celebrated.”

Stuart Milk also spoke to Norton Hill Anti-Bullying Mentors about HBT (homophobic, biphobic and transphobic) bullying. He was impressed by the work the anti-bullying mentors do at the school to encourage their peers to report all incidents of bullying, and providing a peer-led support system to ensure equality for all students.

Kate Murphy, PSHE and Anti-Bullying lead for B&NES, who joined Norton Hill for the day, added: “I have been particularly impressed by the work of Norton Hill’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, who selflessly give up their time to support younger pupils. This is no doubt why Norton Hill has very low levels of bullying.”

Stuart was also pleased to hear about the ongoing work at Norton Hill to celebrate difference and diversity and the school looks forward to building on his visit in PSHE lessons, tutor time and events, such as Celebrating Differences Day.